Perth Scorchers rope in five international stars for BBL 2016-17

As the BBL 2016-17 is approaching, the teams are busy finalizing their squads on paper. Perth Scorchers retained the core of their side for the upcoming season and have also roped in the services of England fast bowler David Willey for this edition of the BBL.

Scorchers is one of the most successful teams in the tournament, having won the title twice. Scorchers retained the four Australian international players in their side, namely, Adam Voges, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh. Apart from the big names, they also signed up Hilton Cartwright and Jhye Richardson. While Richardson is a quick bowler, Cartwright will be an all-rounder addition.

By signing David Willey as their overseas import, they are left with one more slot in their list of 18 players for this edition of the tournament. The slot is to be filled by an overseas player. Scorchers coach Justin Langer was very pleased with the additions to the team and cited that they have been successful in retaining the majority of players who have helped them reach the semi-finals for 5 consecutive years in the history of the tournament.

“We’re delighted to have retained the majority of our squad, which helped us make the BBL semi-finals for the fifth consecutive year last season,” he quoted. “It’s particularly pleasing to have our players committed and secured at this point in time, allowing us excellent preparation for another tilt at the BBL,” he added further.

Langer also expressed the team’s desire to rope in Dale Steyn or Morne Morkel as their second overseas player. But he was quick to cite that South Africa are scheduled to host Sri Lanka in December and hence the availability of those two players remain an uncertainty. He further showed interest in West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite too. However, if Brathwaite plays in the BBL, he might lose out on his opportunity to be available for national selection.

“Guys like them, Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder, if they are to play BBL they have to renege on playing for their countries,” Langer quoted. “Carlos would be brilliant in the BBL, he’s like a giant, he whacks them, he bowls, he’s a gun athlete, he fields but to get him there he’s got to sign off playing for the Windies. I wouldn’t do that,” he added further.

Earlier, Scorchers had signed up former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson.

Read More – Perth Scorchers sign Mitchell Johnson for BBL 6

Scorchers BBL 2016 squad: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, James Muirhead, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Voges, Sam Whiteman, David Willey