The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Assessing the BBL teams: Perth Scorchers

Roar Pro
10th December, 2013
3

With the 2014/2015 edition of the Big Bash League approaching, I start my assessment of the franchises with the team I support, the Perth Scorchers.

The Scorchers have been what you may call the unlucky team of the Big Bash, hosting both BBL finals to date – and losing them both.

The Scorchers have been in poor form of late, losing three games and having one washed out to continue their horrendous Champions League record.

Sadly for Scorchers fans, two of WA’s favorite sons, Michael Hussey and Marcus North, have both left the Scorchers for their new Sydney-based teams.

The Scorchers also have a bad habit of starting off the seasons poorly, losing the majority of their early games, but they always seem to claw their way back up to the top of ladder.

Fan favorite Brad Hogg (and his tongue) are back again this year.

With his Wiggles-like celebrations and unplayable wrong’un, Hogg shows that age is no barrier. The 42 year old made an incredible comeback to international cricket at the ripe old age of 40, playing against India and being a part of the 2012 T20 cricket world cup.

Hogg is one of the most valuable players in the Big Bash and is sure to play a big role for the Scorchers.

Advertisement

The Perth team recently signed explosive West Indian batsman Dwayne Smith. The West Indian international is sure to excite, and is coming off some good form.

He took out the 2013 Champions League player of the series, helping the Mumbai Indians to the title with 223 runs at an average of 55.75.

Alfonso Thomas, aka Fonzie, is considered one of the best short-form players in the world, being an important death bowler and handy batsman. He has so far only played just one international match for South Africa, taking match figures of 3 for 25 off his four overs against Pakistan.

With nine players under the age of 24 and six players over 30, the Scorchers have a good mix of maturity and youth. They will will have high hopes, and high expectations placed on them by the fans.

Their first game is a grand final rematch against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. The Heat will be favorites to take the two points, but cricket’s a funny old game and anything can happen.

Will it be third time lucky for the Perth Scorchers? I certainly hope so.

close