The reigning champions have retained the bulk of their squad and added some firepower with England allrounder David Willey
BBL|05 Preview: Perth Scorchers
Squad: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Michael Carberry (OS), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Marcus Harris, Brad Hogg, Michael Klinger, Simon Mackin, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, James Muirhead, Joel Paris, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Voges (c), Sam Whiteman, David Willey (OS)
Ins: Willey
OUTS: Yasir Arafat (unsigned), Hilton Cartwright (unsigned)
Image Id: ~/media/64842362D5A44DA4A439A13DDBA45DF2
Master Blaster
It looks like he might have his hands full with Test duties, but once he's done, Shaun Marsh will be Perth's ace this summer. He's the leading run-scorer for the Scorchers with 955 runs at a strike rate of 128.36 and average of 52.26. While he's yet to post three figures in orange, the 32-year-old does own a 99no and the four highest scores before 100. Marsh has also hit more fours (84) and shares the record for most sixes (32) with his brother Mitchell, though the younger Marsh has batted three more opportunities.
Strike Weapon
While it's still unclear just how much Jason Behrendorff will play this summer, one thing for certain is if he does, Perth are a very good chance of winning. The towering left-arm quick is the most successful fast bowler in the Scorchers five-year history, taking 43 wickets in 31 matches and striking ever 16 balls. The key to Perth's incredible run of four straight BBL finals has been their formidable bowling attack which once again looks the best on paper. Joining Behrendorff is slippery Joel Paris, rampant Nathan Coulter-Nile, deceptive Andrew Tye, young tearaway Simon Mackin (who is out for four weeks with a hamstring strain), spinners Brad Hogg, Ashton Agar and James Muirhead and the all-round pace of Mitchell Marsh and David Willey. Too. Many. Options.
Young Gun
As mentioned before, Joel Paris is slippery. There's not much to the lanky left-armer, but at 23, Paris has amazing control and can get the ball to wobble in the air which causes opposition batsmen a great deal of trouble. Possessing a natural to the right-hander, Paris has lit up the Matador One-Day Cup last summer and has been a wrecking ball in his first two Sheffield Shield matches for Western Australia. The biggest challenge for Paris won't be countering aggressive batsmen, it will be getting into the team in the first place.
Surprise Packet
Can the magic of Brad Hogg continue for a fifth season? The evergreen wrist spinner is the leading wicket-taker for the Scorchers with 45 wickets in as many matches, but at 44, and with two international spinners behind him, is it time for Hogg to step aside and play more of a mentor role? We say NO! We want to see the wrong 'uns, the flippers, the manic celebrations and the tongue waving around!
Overseas Impact
What's better than one Englishman? Two, if you're the Scorchers. The success of Michael Carberry last summer led to Justin Langer and the crew at The Furnace signing hard-hitting allrounder David Willey. Both are powerful left-handed batsmen, both can hit the ball a long way, and both can win a match by themselves. Willey hit a century off only 40 balls this winter. He's really good.
Fantasy Bargain
Could have also been the young gun, but Ashton Turner at $41,900 is good value. With the Marshes and Adam Voges on Test duty, Turner should get a good run in the top order and is more than handy off-spinner. He's a jet in the field too, so expect some catches and maybe the cheeky run out or two.