Perth Scorchers has been the most consistent team since the beginning of the Big Bash. They have made the grand final on all three occasions finishing as runners up in season 1 and season 2. They finally got there due reward winning last years competition. Coach Justin Langer was extremely delighted to win the competition, and this season it seems as not much is going to change.
The Scorchers lifted BBL|03. Can they go back-to-back?
The side from the west has been the quieter of the sides in the transfer period with their highest profile signing being English batsman Michael Carberry. The opener comes to Perth with plenty of experience and will add real steel to the top of the batting order. Carberry possesses a decent striker rate in T20 cricket but more often than not, the type of player that can provide a platform for the rest of the team with his composed style and level headed cricket.
Perth secured the services of young spinner James Muirhead from Melbourne Stars in exchange for Michael Beer. Whilst Brad Hogg has been a fantastic player for the Scorchers, Muirhead has plenty of experience for a young player, and will be able to form a perfect partnership with the timeless Hogg. Perth has an extremely balanced squad rich in depth and quality.
Despite a disappointing Champions League by Langer’s standards, the coach has not embarked on a massive overhaul of the squad, rather looking to work with and develop the squad he has at hand.
Perth Scorchers Squad
Adam Voges (capt), Michael Klinger, Yasir Arafat, Shaun Marsh, Hilton Cartwright, Mitch Marsh, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ashton Turner, Joel Paris, Sam Whiteman, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, James Muirhead, Michael Carberry, Brad Hogg, Andrew Tye, Simon Mackin, Marcus Harris
James Muirhead
Player to watch - James Muirhead
An international representative at T20 level, Muirhead has experience, quality, and plenty of knowledge about the game. Traded over to the Scorchers for Michael Beer, the side from the west can be very happy with that piece of business.
Leg break bowler Muirhead possesses a fantastic strike rate, and whilst his economy can be worked on a little bit, he is the type of player a captain calls on when looking for a quick wicket. At just 21 years of age, Murihead has a long future ahead of him not just for the Scorchers, but for Australia as well. With a squad also possessing the young Ashton Agar, who England fans will remember very well, Muirhead knows he will have to fight for his spot.
With Brad Hogg seen as the front line spinner for the Scorchers, Murihead and Agar will be competing for the second spinner spot in the side. Muirhead edges Agar at the moment with the latter struggling to find form after a run of injuries.
Adam Voges
Key Player - Adam Voges
The captain of the Perth Scorchers knows that responsibility for his side’s performances this season will fall partly on his shoulders. Whilst the Scorchers have never been a side to rely on individual performances, Voges has a big role to play for the Scorchers this season.
With the Marsh brothers away on international duty, the Scorchers batting line up is missing two key players. Voges will lead from the front as an opening batsman and will know that key to success in the Big Bash is all about a good start. An extremely experience player, Voges will be looking to form a strong partnership at the top of the order with Michael Carberry. Voges is also able to chip in with an over or two of off spin, drying up the oppositions runs.
Whilst the Scorchers are an extremely balanced side, Voges role as the captain also puts greater emphasis on his status to the side. Correct use of his bowlers and good captaincy on the field could well the Scorchers go back to back.
What they are saying
“I really want to lead the attack and dominate other teams. That’s my job and I think I can step up, but a lot of people have said this year will be the real test for me.” – Jason Behrendorff
“I’ve always enjoyed Perth; I’ve been there a few times as a young player as well as on training camps or playing club cricket. To be back again and to play as a home will be fantastic.” – Michael Carberry
Badger Predicts
It’s hard to the Scorchers finishing anywhere but in the semi-finals. They are an extremely balanced side with quality all the way through. With plenty of depth in the side, the Scorchers know they can call upon any of the players in their line up should the need arise, and they would produce the goods. Whilst the Marsh brothers are away on international duty, the Scorchers have shown before that the loss of big players does not affect them.
Yasir Arafat was extremely key to their success last year. Whilst he did not pick up wickets as often as he would have liked, he was extremely economical and proved very hard to get away. Arafat built great combinations with the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile, and Jason Behrendorff. The Scorchers also have a great balance of power hitting and level headedness in their batting.
The Scorchers know that plenty will be expected of them, and if they can deal with the pressure of expectation, then the chances of going back-to-back are extremely possible.
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Ahmed Essof
At the age of 15, Ahmed moved to Australia with his family. He quickly took a liking to his new home state, Queensland, and subsequently became a fan of Brisbane Heat. Despite his obvious love for his African roots and Zimbabwe and South Africa, Ahmed has developed a strong knowledge of the game in Australia and the various competitions.
Always a fan of the outrageous and 'freakish' cricket, Ahmed rates Jonty Rhodes, AB DeVilliers as among his most exciting cricketers to watch.
Latest posts by Ahmed Essof (see all)
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