WATCH: Batting Average Of 11 In T20s, This Batter Opens The Innings First Time And Takes Sixers To Finals

Cricket Image for WATCH: Batting Average Of 11 In T20s, Hayden Kerr Opens The Innings First Time And (Image Source: Twitter)

In the concluded Challenger match of the Big Bash League (BBL 2021-22) between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers, Hayden Kerr emerged as the best player of the match for Sixers with his 98*, taking Sydney to the BBL Finals with a 4 wicket victory. But, did you know that before this match, this batter had a batting average of 11 in T20s?

Sydney Sixers lost their regular opener and wicketkeeper Josh Philippe a few hours before the match, due to Covid. The team's assistant coach Jay Lenton donned the gloves for Sixers. However, the opening slot was taken by a batter who had played at #8 for Sixers in this season.

Hayden Kerr had never opened the innings before this match in this season. He had played 7 innings, batting at #8 registering 52 runs to his name. Kerr's highest score before this match was 22, and his batting average read 11.00.

Extraordinary Knock from Hayden Kerr!
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.#Cricket #BBL #SydneySixers #HaydenKerr pic.twitter.com/WikMG1sFpe

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) January 26, 2022

However, things took a big U-turn as the 25-year old smacked 98* runs off 58 balls while opening the innings for the first time, with 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. He led his team to victory despite regular wickets at the other end. Sean Abbott added a quick 41 runs off 20 balls but apart from his none of the other batters gave much support. Hayden Kerr was in a different rhythm and he won the match for his team with a four on the last ball, taking them to the finals of the BBL 2021-22. 

The man of the moment!

Hayden Kerr chats through his 98* and getting @SixersBBL home #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/X6jgkzt0Nx

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 26, 2022