Many people expected Australian batsman Tom Banton to fetch a fat pay-cheque at the auction for the Indian Premier League 2020, which was held a few weeks ago in Kolkata. Surprisingly, he was sold for just INR 1 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders. Though not many teams might have repented not signing him back then, they surely must be scratching their heads now, for Banton has set the Big Bash League on fire.
In the Australian version of the franchise-based T20 league, Banton hit five sixes in a row. In happened in a game between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Showground Stadium. Banton scored 56 runs from just 19 deliveries, as his team Brisbane Heat managed to put up 119 runs from just eight overs in a match curtailed by rain. His onslaught came against young off-spinner Arjun Nair, who conceded 30 runs in the over. Former KKR opener Chris Lynn was also on the song during the match and scored a quickfire 31 in just 13 deliveries.
This is just extraordinary.
Tom Banton launches five consecutive sixes! #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/STYOFVvchy
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 6, 2020
Marcus Stoinis apologizes for homophobic comments
Earlier in the competition, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis made the headlines for the wrong reasons. He engaged in a verbal spat with fellow Aussie Kane Richardson and reportedly uttered some homophobic comments. He was fined USD 5200, and Stoinis has apologized for the incident. The incident took place during the high voltage Melbourne derby when Stoinis’ Melbourne Stars crossed paths with Richardson’s Melbourne Renegades.
“I got caught in the moment and took it too far. I realized immediately I was in the wrong and I apologize to Kane and to the umpires. I did the wrong thing and accept responsibility for my actions. The standards are there for a reason and I accept the penalty,” said Stoinis, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Off the field, Stoinis’ team is having a great season. With five wins from six games, Melbourne Stars are currently top of the points table. On the other hand, Melbourne Renegades are sitting at the very bottom of the table, with six wins in as many matches.
