Perth Scorchers snap Peter Hatzoglou for BBL 2021-22 season

The much-awaited 11^th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) will get underway on December 5. The eight franchises are building up to the event and are busy signing the players. The Perth Scorchers though seem to have made the right noise as they have acquired the services of last year’s BBL breakout star Peter Hatzoglou for a period of two years.

This is surely a smart buy considering the impact Hatzoglou had for Melbourne Renegades last year. The Scorchers were looking to strengthen their spin bowling resources and wanted to have a partner for Ashton Agar on helpful spin conditions in Australia for the later stages of BBL.

With the 22-year-old known for his smart variations and economical bowling, the Scorchers no doubt will look to attack in the powerplay as well as in the middle-overs by maintaining pressure from both ends. “He gives us the flexibility to bowl spin at different times throughout the innings and will combine with Ash Agar to make a strong spin duo,” Scorchers coach Voges said in a statement.

“Peter is a long-term option for us which means sadly we say goodbye to Fawad (Ahmed) who’s been a huge asset to our team over the past two seasons.”

Setback for Melbourne Renegades as they let go Peter Hatzoglou

After his superb performance for Renegades last year, it was expected that the leg-spinner will be retained by the franchise in the Red for one more year. Hatzoglou picked up 17 wickets in just 13 games for the Renegades and was the team’s leading wicket-taker. Signed as a last-minute replacement player, the 22-year-old who performed well was one of the shining stars for the team.

But with only four spots available, the Renegades are most likely to sign foreign three foreign players. With a genuine wicket-taking option gone, the team will surely miss the services of the promising young leg-spinner. “Peter was very popular with our fans last season and his performances generated interest from across the competition. We wish him well in Perth and for the future,” a Renegades spokesperson said.

With Cameron Boyce set to return to the Renegades this year, the squad has now left with three spots to fill in the coming few days.