After stumbling last term, Perth Scorchers will look to quickly return to the sort of form which brought them the title in 2021. MATTHEW LUDDINGTON takes a look at how the squad is shaping up going into the new season
Perth Scorchers claimed victory in WBBL07 but stumbled last season, failing to secure a spot in the playoffs. Becky Grundy has been appointed as the head coach for this season. Grundy faced a significant decision during the draft, opting to retain Sophie Devine over Marizanne Kapp, who subsequently joined Sydney Thunder.
Grundy clarified that the choice hinged on Devine's leadership qualities and her role as captain of the side. The Scorchers, recognising the need to bolster their batting, added England international Amy Jones, a dependable middle-order batter. While Danni Wyatt was initially signed, she withdrew due to fatigue, and England allrounder Nat Sciver-Brunt will join the team for the second half of the season.
With a solid squad, the Scorchers have set their sights on reaching the playoffs.
Captain: Sophie Devine
Coach: Becky Grundy
How strong is the batting?
Beth Mooney is of the most consistent batters in women's cricket, and her remarkable performance in WBBL08 saw her amass 434 runs, the most of any batter, at an impressive average of 43.4. Notably, she delivered a sensational unbeaten 99 not out against the Sydney Sixers that oozed class.
Devine, a mainstay at the top of New Zealand's batting order, is a consistently strong performer on the international circuit. While her last Big Bash season might not have lived up to her usual standards, there's no denying her status as a world-class player.
The addition of Sciver-Brunt and Jones will solidify the Scorchers' middle order.
In the lower middle order Chloe Piparo brings a technically sound batting approach, Alana King, has represented Australia across all three formats, and can contribute with the bat, and Amy Edgar is a reliable batter.
Perth Scorchers captain Sophie Devine [Getty Images]
How strong is the bowling?
Last season, the Scorchers' bowling emerged as their standout strength even in the absence of international stars. They are a reliable and dependable unit and look poised to restrict opposition batters.
King's leg-spin was highly effective, claiming 17 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of just 5.91. Lilly Miles, with her off-spin, was equally influential, taking 15 wickets. Although the team will keenly feel the absence of Kapp, medium pacer Piepa Clearly stepped up last year, taking 11 wickets. Additionally, Devine's medium-paced deliveries proved valuable, contributing eight wickets.
Taneale Peschel showcased her potential in limited opportunities last season and appears ready for a more substantial role this year. Sciver-Brunt's involvement will be pivotal, and she will deliver a consistent allocation of overs. Stella Campbell offers another medium-paced option, adding depth to the bowling lineup. Notably, fast bowler 18-year-old Chloe Ainsworth, who was part of Australia's Under-19 World Cup squad, brings a promising and exciting talent to the table.
Why should fans be excited?
Mooney's exceptional batting prowess alone makes her a must-see player. This year, it's promising to see that she'll have more support from Devine, Jones and Sciver-Brunt, who are all established world-class players.
The Scorchers boast a versatile and clever bowling lineup. The spin duo of King and Miles excels in the middle overs. Ainsworth is poised to emerge as a star.
Grundy has stressed the need to reduce the team's dependence on overseas players. This emphasises the upcoming opportunities for homegrown talent to step onto the main stage and make their mark.
Alana King, left, is crucial to Perth Scorchers' chances [Getty Images]
Why should fans be worried?
Last season, the Scorchers' batting heavily relied on Mooney's stellar performances. While Grundy has made efforts to bolster the batting lineup through recruitment, there remains uncertainty about whether the top order can consistently deliver the necessary runs to help the Scorchers achieve substantial totals.
The bowling unit, in contrast, lacks the star power that some other franchises boast. The situation surrounding Sciver-Brunt's availability and timing of joining the team adds further uncertainty, with all three overseas players possibly at risk of missing a final if the Scorchers were to make it that far given England and New Zealand's respective winter campaigns.
Squad: Charis Bekker, Piepa Cleary, Amy Edgar, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Taneale Pechel, Sophie Devine, Amy Jones, Stella Campbell, Maddy Darke, Chloe Piparo, Chloe Ainsworth, Lisa Griffith
Fixtures: October 20 – Hobart Hurricanes (a, 7.10pm); October 22 – Brisbane Heat (h, 1.40pm); October 25 – Hobart Hurricanes (h, 7.10pm); October 29 - Melbourne Stars (a, 3.00pm); October 31 - Sidney Sixers (h, 8.10pm), November 3 - Melbourne Renegades (h, 8.40pm); November 5 – Adelaide Strikers (h, 5.25pm); November 9 – Brisbane Heat (a, 7.10pm), November 11 – Melbourne Renegades (a, 2.00pm), November 12 - Sydney Thunder (h, 10.10am); November 16 - Sydney Sixers (a, 3.30pm); November 18 – Sydney Thunder (a, 3.00pm); November 22 - Melbourne Stars (h, 8.10pm); November 24 - Adelaide Strikers (a, 7.10pm)
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