The Perth Scorchers have made major changes to their roster on the back of a last placed finish in BBL08. Scorchers mainstays Shaun Marsh, Hilton Cartwright and Nathan Coulter-Nile have all left the club this season and veteran opener Michael Klinger has retired. This major cleanout has led to some huge changes to the roster, although they have also copped major injury hits in preseason. Left arm quick Jason Behrendorff has been ruled out for the season and his fellow quick Andrew Tye will miss an extended period with an elbow injury. With the big changes in their squad lets have a look at their BBL09 team below.
Perth Scorchers Team Preview
Last Season: 8th
Current Squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Fawad Ahmed, Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Chris Jordan (OS), Matt Kelly, Liam Livingstone (OS), Joel Paris, Kurtis Patterson, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman.
In: Chris Jordan (England), Liam Livingstone (England), Fawad Ahmed (Thunder), Kurtis Patterson (Thunder)
Out: Usman Qadir (Pakistan), David Willey (England), Hilton Cartwright (Stars), Nathan Coulter-Nile (Stars), Michael Klinger (retired), Shaun Marsh (Renegades), Clint Hinchcliffe (Stars), Will Bosisto, Liam Guthrie, Sean Terry
Batting
Cameron Bancroft and Englishmen Liam Livingstone will likely open for the Scorchers, yet Sam Whiteman is another option if they choose to push Bancroft to 3 with Kurtis Patterson another that could potentially open or come in first drop. The Scorchers have had a much-needed boost with the Mitch Marsh being cleared from his hand injury. The likes of Ashton Turner, Cameron Green and Ashton Agar all provide some middle order firepower with even international Chris Jordan, while notably a bowler has shown he is able to provide some quick runs at the end of the innings.
Bowling
The omissions of Behrendorff and Tye will greatly deplete the Scorchers bowling attack but English international Chris Jordan joins the line-up and he will partner Jye Richardson in the pace department. Fawad Ahmed and Ashton Agar will provide a formidable spin partnership as the Scorchers keep up to their reputation of having a strong bowling attack even with the injuries to two key bowlers.
Best XI
1. Liam Livingstone
2. Sam Whiteman
3. Cameron Bancroft
4. Kurtis Patterson
5. Mitch Marsh
6. Ashton Agar
7. Chris Jordan
8. Jhye Richardson
9. Andrew Tye
10. Matt Kelly
11. Fawad Ahmed
Prediction: 6th
The new look Scorchers team does still possess plenty of talent in the bowling department even with their injury crisis. Mitch Marsh can do it all and really suits the T20 format while their internationals on paper look good additions. It is hard to see them getting into a top four place as their competitors do look a bit too strong but if the team can click early in the season you never know. Hopefully for the Scorchers Bancroft can regain the form that saw him crack the Australian team and their mix of quality pace and spin can adapt to various pitches and grounds around the country and provide them with some victories to get them in contention.
Mitchell Marsh top PER batsman
$5.50
Jhye Richardson top PER bowler
$4.20
