2024-25 Big Bash League Preview: Perth Scorchers

As the 14th edition of Australia’s Big Bash League draws ever closer, we’re previewing the tournament by analysing all eight squads in depth.

This piece sees us focus on five-time BBL champions and winners in two of the last three editions of this tournament, the Perth Scorchers.

Captain: Ashton Turner

Head Coach: Adam Voges

Confirmed Overseas Players: Finn Allen (NZ), Matty Hurst (ENG), Keaton Jennings (ENG)

Last Season: 3rd place - Beaten in Knockout game.

Betting Analysis: Batting

Having lost Laurie Evans to Melbourne Renegades, Perth Scorchers have pivoted in the overseas department, bringing in a Lancashire duo to bolster the batting. Matty Hurst and Keaton Jennings, a right-hand/left-hand combination are a mixture of youth and experience, with Hurst in particular an exciting addition who can bat right down the order. But the star overseas attraction is that of Finn Allen, who is expected to open the batting after the New Zealander was pre-signed by the Scorchers.

Signing three overseas batters is no doubt a tactic designed to complement the domestic core that has served Perth so well over the past few years, but also to cover for any missing players through international call-ups such as Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis. They will also be required to make up for Aaron Hardie’s absence after the all-rounder was confirmed to be missing Perth’s opening game through injury.

Betting Analysis: Bowling

Perth Scorchers’ bowling attack for many, will be considered the best of any team set to compete in BBL 14 with several top-drawer domestic names in the mix. Left-arm pacer Jason Behrendorff recorded 16 wickets last season, more than any other Perth bowler, whilst the ‘Wild Thing’ Lance Morris offers genuine raw speed.

Experienced pros like Jhye Richardson, Ashton Agar and Andrew Tye all boast several international caps for Australia, whilst captain Ashton Turner could also play a role with his off-spin. The real intrigue however, comes in the form of 21-year-old Cooper Connolly, who made his T20i debut a few months ago and could play a big role for the Scorchers with bat and ball.

Perth Scorchers Prediction: BBL heavyweights among favourites for the title again

When taking into account that Perth Scorchers have finished in the top three of the league stage in each of the last four editions of the BBL, reaching the final in three of those and winning two, it puts into perspective just how strong a team they are. Batters win games, but bowlers win titles and no team in the BBL boasts a better attack than the Scorchers. They do look more vulnerable with the bat than in recent seasons with Hardie’s injury a worry and international call-ups an occupational hazard. But Perth should still have more than enough to secure a top-four finish and with that, another shot at post-season glory.