SOMERSET cricketer Tom Banton ended his participation in this season's Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, with 55 for Brisbane Heat against Perth Scorchers.

The 21-year-old batsman is heading to South Africa next month, for England's One-Day International series (February 4-9).

In seven matches, Banton has scored 223 runs in his maiden BBL season, at an average of 31.85 and a strike rate of 176.98.

As well as scoring three half-centuries - including a 16-ball 50 against Sydney Thunder - he has produced some jaw-dropping shots, which demonstrate why he is one of the most exciting players in English cricket.

He took a particular liking to the spin of Sydney's Arjun Nair - smashing five consecutive sixes in one over.

Banton's Somerset team-mate Lewis Gregory has also impressed, playing for Rangpur Rangers in the Bangladesh Premier League.

Gregory has scored 262 runs in 11 matches, at an average of 26.20 and a strike rate of 140, and a high score of 76no.

He's also taken 15 wickets, at an average of 19.86 and an economy of 7.64.

Somerset captain Tom Abell played four matches for the Rangers, scoring 88 runs (average 22, strike rate 107.31).