We should change the Big Bash finals format

Written By Angus Reid
#perth scorchers

With the Perth Scorchers getting absolutely smoked by the Hobart Hurricanes in Thursday's BBL07 semi-final, it means yet again that the team finishing at the top of the table won't be in the Big Bash final.

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The Scorchers were the pick of the teams in BBL07, winning eight of their 10 games to finish on top and earn a home semi-final at Optus Stadium.

However, like in seasons past, the top side failed at the first hurdle.

The BBL finals format has the first and fourth sides playing off against each other, while the second and third-placed sides battle it out for a spot in the decider.

But in Big Bash history, the top-placed side has only made the final on two occasions - the Scorchers in BBL01 and again BBL06, and only in last season's tournament did they prevail and win the title.

With the Hurricanes making the final in BBL07, it will be the fifth time that the fourth placed side has reached the big dance.

The top two sides have never faced each other in the tournament decider, and have also won just as many titles as the third and fourth-placed teams.

This doesn't seem fair, and leaves the group stage of the tournament carrying less weight than it perhaps should.

In the IPL, the top two teams play each other in a qualifying match, with the winner going straight through to the final and the loser playing the winner of the third and fourth-placed qualifying match.

Giving the top two sides a second bite of the cherry means that finishing as high as possible on the ladder becomes a major priority for teams.

Former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist certainly believes the top two sides deserve a second chance.

"I think it's definitely the way to go - it's easy for me to say," Gilchrist said.

"It gives more credit to finishing in the top two positions, you get a second bite of the cherry.

"They took that on (IPL) and it's been a really successful formula for them.

"No matter who finishes top or second, it's a fairer representation of what's happened throughout the season."