Tanveer Sangha: From troubling Andre Russell in BBL and impressing Ricky Ponting to getting picked in Australia’s initial World Cup squad

Tanveer Sangha, a rising Australian spinner, has a "big heart" and a promising future, according to West Indian legend Andre Russell following their huge Bash clash on Sunday night.

Russell won their match at the Sydney Showground, but not before Thunder spinner Sangha, who just made his BBL debut a year ago but has previously played for Australia in the Twenty20s, was denied the wicket of the T20 gun for hire.

After dismissing Melbourne Stars stars Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, Sangha had Russell edge the ball on to his stumps, only for the bails to remain in place.

"The ball hit the stump forcefully… "I'm glad to still be batting and laughing about it," Russell added.

After the ball hit the stumps but did not dislodge the bails, Sam Billings and Andre Russell react. Mark Kolbe / Cricket Australia / Getty Images
After the ball hit the stumps but did not dislodge the bails, Sam Billings and Andre Russell react. Mark Kolbe / Cricket Australia / Getty Images
While Russell finished with 42 runs off 21 balls to win the match, he had high comments for Sangha, who might be playing for Australia sooner rather than later.

"I congratulated him and told him, 'Listen, you have a big heart, and I like spinners who aren't afraid to bowl to big hitters,'" Russell explained.

"He was doing really well, (bowling) into my body and changing up his pace." I noticed about him that he had a bright future.

"He's not scared to bowl over to me in the power surge… He did well, so kudos to him.

"He has a long way to go, and if he can do this now, he's just (going to) get better."

Sangha, who finished with 2-20, took the praise in stride and was delighted to hear Russell's thoughts. When the greatest batter stepped up to bat, he claimed that he wanted the ball.

"He's like, 'Do you want it?'" says captain Chris Green. "I'm like, 'Yeah, 100 percent I want it,'" said Sangha, who turned 20 barely a month ago.

"I know there's a lot of pressure, but I just want to compete in the big moment, have the ball."

Russell just met his new Melbourne Stars teammates last Friday and was slated to be introduced into the team bubble on Monday after being separated from them due to rigorous quarantine laws.

"I told the boys to save the celebrations, save the hugs for tomorrow," Russell stated after winning player-of-the-match.

"It's great to be able to contribute tonight." The lads have been treating me well - social distance - but I've been having a fantastic time.

"Just being around the guys, in the same nets, doing the same thing at the same time, that's going to feel normal."