BBL 2022-23: Perth Scorchers face another setback as Tymal Mills pulls out due to family emergency

Just a few days ahead of their campaign opener against Sydney Sixers in the BBL, defending champions, Perth Scorchers have faced a major blow. Their key pacer Tymal Mills has pulled out of the tournament quoting a family emergency, and will not be participating in a single game for the franchise. Perth Scorchers are now looking for a replacement player.

Earlier this month, opening batter Philip Salt was ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. The Scorchers were handed another setback when Laurie Evans, the previous season’s star of the show in the finals, tested positive to a doping test. As a result, he had to part ways with the franchise. Tymal Mills’ exit has done no good for the Scorchers.

“The club fully supports Mills’ decision and sends its thoughts and best wishes to his family during this time. Perth is exploring its options to recruit an international replacement player,” Perth Scorchers said in a statement.

Mitch Marsh, the Perth Scorchers' all-time leading run-scorer, is another well-known name sitting out this season after undergoing ankle surgery recently.  Last week, it was revealed that former England Test opener Adam Lyth would be replacing Phil Salt in the squad, while South African superstar Faf du Plessis will join the squad as Evans' replacement.

Scorchers explore replacement options

But the two players are available for only the first half of the tournament. Stephen Eskinazi, an English wicketkeeper-batter, also joined Perth's roster recently. The only remaining alternatives for pace, now that Mills is gone and speedster Lance Morris has been called up to the Australian Test squad, are Jason Behrendorff, Matt Kelly, and Scorchers all-time leading wicket-taker Andrew Tye.

Jhye Richardson is also recovering well from a toe injury. He bowled fiercely on Monday, which comes to be a positive sign for the team ahead of Saturday's contest against the previous season's runners-up Sydney Sixers. With multiple injury concerns in the squad, the ongoing 12^th season is going to be difficult for the Scorchers as they aim to defend their title.