Andrew James Tye, born on December 12, 1986, is an Australian cricketer renowned for his impressive performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for the Australian national cricket team. He is a valuable asset to both Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers at the domestic level. Tye’s exceptional skills with the knuckleball and his wide range of pace variations have made him a standout player in the world of T20 cricket.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Hailing from the northern suburbs of Perth, Andrew Tye’s journey to cricket stardom had a unique trajectory. He gained valuable experience by playing second XI cricket in England, representing Somerset, Durham, and Northamptonshire. Despite making his list A debut relatively late in the 2013–14 Ryobi One-Day Cup at the age of 26, he quickly made his mark. Tye emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament and recorded the best single-innings bowling figures of 5 wickets for 46 runs against Tasmania, showcasing his bowling prowess.
Following his impressive performances in the One Day tournament, Tye’s talent caught the eye of the Sydney Thunder, and he was signed for the 2013–14 Big Bash League season. However, his association with the Perth Scorchers began in the subsequent season, BBL|04. It was during this season that Tye’s star began to rise significantly. His remarkable performances earned him the title of the ‘find of the tournament,’ as acclaimed by Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch.
Tye’s contributions played a crucial role in Perth’s back-to-back Big Bash League titles, firmly establishing his reputation as a key player in the T20 format.
At the grade cricket level, Tye continues to represent Scarborough, consistently showcasing his skills.
Indian Premier League Success
Andrew Tye’s talents were not limited to Australian shores. He entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) arena when he was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings in the 2015 IPL auction. However, it was in the 2017 IPL season, while playing for the Gujarat Lions, that he truly made a name for himself. On his IPL debut, Tye achieved a rare feat by taking a five-wicket haul, including a sensational hat-trick. His bowling figures of 5/17 were the best ever by a bowler on debut in the IPL, a record that stood until Alzarri Joseph surpassed it with figures of 6/12 in the 2019 IPL season.
In January 2018, Tye was bought by Kings XI Punjab in the IPL auction. During the tournament, he created history by becoming the first player to take three 4-wicket hauls in a single season of the IPL. Tye’s outstanding performances earned him the coveted Purple Cap for being the highest wicket-taker in the 2018 IPL season, with an impressive tally of 24 wickets. His consistency and excellence led to his inclusion in ESPNcricinfo’s and Cricbuzz’s 2018 IPL team of the tournament.
Although Tye played for the Kings XI franchise in the 2019 IPL season, he was released ahead of the 2020 IPL auction. Subsequently, he was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals for the 2020 season, where he contributed with his valuable skills.
International Stature
Andrew Tye made his Twenty20 International debut for Australia against India on January 29, 2016. His impressive performances did not go unnoticed, and he earned a place in Australia’s One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against England in January 2018. He made his ODI debut for Australia against England on January 14, 2018.
In April 2018, Cricket Australia recognized Tye’s talents by awarding him a national contract for the 2018–19 season. His exceptional ability to take wickets consistently in T20Is earned him the distinction of being the leading wicket-taker in T20Is in 2018, with an impressive tally of 31 wickets.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tye’s commitment to the game remained unwavering. He was named in a preliminary squad of players for a possible tour to England. Subsequently, he was included in the touring party, underlining his importance to the national team.
In November 2020, Tye replaced Kane Richardson in the Australian squad for T20I and ODI matches against India, further cementing his status as a valuable asset to the Australian cricket team.
Andrew Tye’s cricketing journey is a testament to his determination, versatility, and ability to excel in the high-pressure world of T20 cricket. With his knuckleball wizardry and skillful variations, he continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the global T20 arena.
