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Gloucestershire scripted history as they lifted their maiden T20 Blast title, beating Somerset comfortably in a one-sided final. Despite having formidable teams on several occasions, the title eluded them for 21 years. The two semi-finals and the final were played on Saturday, September 14.
All three matches were relatively low-scoring, with the pitch offering something for both pacers and spinners. Over the years, the T20 Blast has been the breeding ground for young cricketers who hope to make a mark in top-flight cricket.
The tournament began in 2003 and has produced a plethora of stars who have represented England and their respective nations. While the majority of the international players tend to give it a miss with 'The Hundred’ gaining more popularity, this is still the only premier T20 competition in England.
Several youngsters made their mark in the recently-concluded competition. Be it with the ball or the bat or in the field, they proved their mettle. Let us look at five top young performers in the 2024 T20 Blast.
5 top young performers in 2024 T20 Blast
#5. Luke Hollman
The 24-year-old all-rounder was at the top of his game during the 2024 T20 Blast. Luke Hollman, who tends to get extra bounce off the surface with his leg spin, finished with a staggering record in the 22nd edition of the tournament.
He bagged 23 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 12.57. He spun a web around most of the opposition batters and kept the runs in check. Hollman got purchase from the pitches that were dry but also made an impact when the conditions were not conducive for spinners.
While Middlesex had a forgettable season, Hollman was at his best, bagging wickets for fun. He took a five-wicket haul against Surrey early in the tournament besides getting wickets in almost every other match. He will be hoping that this breakthrough season opens up many more opportunities.
#4. Harrison Ward
A stylish left-handed batter, Harrison Ward had an impressive season with the bat, scoring 350 runs in 12 games. His performances dipped towards the tournament's business end but his consistency at the top of the order for Surrey was instrumental in taking them to the semi-finals.
Ward scored a match-winning half-century against Middlesex in the last group game and gave his team the platform for a convincing nine-wicket win. He also provided a blistering start during the quarter-final clash against Lancashire, scoring an 18-ball 27.
#3. Scott Currie
Another youngster who made a mark in the tournament is bowling all-rounder Scott Currie. The right-arm fast-medium bowler made full use of the swinging conditions on offer and scalped 20 wickets in 12 games at an average of 18.95. He has the ability to move the ball both in the air and off the surface, making him a difficult bowler to face.
Not many would remember his exploits from the tournament, as the last game Leicestershire played was way back on July 19. Currie bagged a couple of wickets and conceded just 26 runs. His best spell of the season came against Lancashire, when he finished with figures of 4/25. He also chipped in with some useful runs.
#2. Jacob Bethell
One of the finest young English players going around, it was his consistent showing with the bat during the T20 Blast that earned Jacob Bethell a spot in the England T20 squad for the three-match series against Australia. A clean striker of the ball, Bethell has different dimensions to his game.
He scored a quickfire 44 off 24 deliveries against Australia in the 2nd T20I and stitched an important partnership with Liam Livingstone to see his side over the line. However, it was his heroics in the T20 Blast which earned him a spot in the senior team.
In 12 innings, Bethell scored 361 runs. The 20-year-old is a terrific ball striker and could become the next England superstar. Bethell is more than the modern-day bashers. He has a good waiting game in addition to his power-hitting.
#1. James Coles
The 20-year-old batting all-rounder had a season to remember both with bat and ball. James Coles not only finished as one of the leading run-getters of the tournament but his slow left-arm spin came in handy all through the competition for Sussex. He started off beautifully in the semi-final against Gloucestershire but perished after scoring 12.
Coles has been pretty consistent with the bat, scoring 354 runs in 14 innings. He is a terrific timer of the ball and can also play the big shots regularly if required.
Besides his batting prowess, Coles had a breakthrough season with the ball as well. The tweaker bagged 20 wickets in 16 games. With age on his side, Coles might well be fast-tracked to the England squad.
