Brisbane Heat opener Josh Brown has blasted the equal second-fastest century in Big Bash League history, scoring a career-best 140 against the Adelaide Strikers in Monday evening’s Challenger on the Gold Coast.
The 30-year-old smacked a record 12 sixes and ten fours during his 57-ball demolition at Carrara Stadium, finishing with the third-highest score in BBL history.
“What an experience,” Brown told Fox Cricket during the break.
“It’s unbelievable. It just makes me feel so happy, to be able to do that in front of family.”
Brown also revealed the piece of advice he received from Heat assistant coach Darren Lehmann before the match: “If the spin comes on, just try and hit it for six.”
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Highest Big Bash League scores
154* — Glenn Maxwell (MS) vs HH, 2022
147* — Marcus Stoinis (MS) vs SS, 2020
140 — Josh Brown (BH) vs AS, 2024
130* — Matthew Wade (HH) vs AS, 2020
127 — Ben McDermott (HH) vs MR, 2021
Brown combined with Heat captain Nathan McSweeney for a 119-run partnership for the second wicket, steering the hosts towards a commanding team total of 7-214.
The right-hander narrowly missed the record for fastest Big Bash hundred — Craig Simmons’ 39-ball century in against the Strikers in 2014 — by two deliveries.
“Reasonable ball striking from the little fella Brown,” Simmons tweeted on Monday evening.
“If he puts a bit more meat on them bones, he might be able to get there next time.”
Fastest Big Bash League Centuries
39 balls — Craig Simmons (PS) vs AS, 2013/14
41 balls — Glenn Maxwell (MS) vs HH, 2021/22
41 balls — Josh Brown (BH) vs AS, 2023/24
44 balls — Luke Wright (MS) vs HH, 2011/12
47 balls — Ben McDermott (HH) vs MR, 2016/17
Brown eventually fell victim to Strikers seamer David Payne in the 17th over, top-edging a delivery into the Gold Coast skyline with wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen settling underneath the catch. The Queenslander’s emotional mother Chris applauded from the stands as he trudged off the ground.
Brilliant Brown reaches fifty in style! | 01:19
“I’m overwhelmed,” she told Fox Cricket during the innings break.
“He’s done all the hard work, and it’s all paid off tonight. Look at his score, seriously.
“His whole life is just cricket.
“He’s just amazing, he’s just a gorgeous, gorgeous kid. He makes me so proud every time he steps out onto that field. He’s just a beautiful person, inside and out.”
The winner of the Challenger will face the Sydney Sixers in Wednesday evening’s final at the SCG.
Most sixes in a Big Bash League innings
12 — Josh Brown (BH) vs AS, 2024
11 — Chris Gayle (ST) vs AS, 2011
11 — Craig Simmons (PS) vs SS, 2014
11 — Chris Lynn (BH) vs PS, 2017
11 — Chris Lynn (BH) vs SS, 2019
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