The Adelaide Strikers’ surprise Big Bash League (BBL) weapon Tim Ludeman is the best wicketkeeper in Australia, his coach Darren Berry says.

Ludeman has backed impressive glovework with a scoring spree as an opening batsman, being the Strikers’ leading run-scorer entering Thursday night’s pivotal home clash with Melbourne Stars.

The Strikers sit in second spot ahead of their home fixture against the third-placed Stars.

Both outfits have six points, two points shy of unbeaten competition leaders Melbourne Renegades – but the Strikers have a better net run rate than the Renegades.

“It’s a big game coming up and hopefully we can take it to them,” Ludeman said.

Ludeman has made 135 runs, including a match-winning 71 from 43 balls against Sydney Sixers last Sunday, in the tournament so far.

Ludeman moved to Adelaide from Victoria three seasons ago but was dropped from the South Australian side last summer and overlooked entirely for the BBL.

“It has been a great story. He worked extremely hard in the off-season – he was desperate to get his spot back,” Berry said.

“He has not only got it back – he’s really stamped it.

“He has been a real exciting player for us.”

Berry, a wicketkeeping stalwart in his playing days, rated Ludeman the best gloveman in the country.

“I have always said he is one of the best ‘keepers in the country, if not the best gloves. His hands are as good as anyone in the country, without doubt,” he said.

“His batting had let him down in the past and, this year – in Shield, one-day cricket – he has been good.

“I think he’s the best ‘keeper in Australia … I say that unashamedly.

“And his batting has now stepped up a level.”

Ludeman, 25, credited an extensive pre-season with SA batting coach Jeff Vaughan for his improved batting.

“I worked hard so it’s good that it is paying off,” he said.

“Hopefully I can continue that on.

“I got dropped last year and there was no doubt that my batting wasn’t up to it so I worked hard at it and the rewards are starting to come.”