Talking Points From Agonising Loss To Renegades

As close as it gets
For the second year running, Perth suffered heartache on home turf against Melbourne Renegades. This time, it was precocious 19-year-old Ollie Peake (42no from 30), who hauled in the four runs required from the game’s final delivery with a ramped six over fine leg. On a night when precious little went right for the hosts, captain Ashton Turner found optimism in the fact his team was so close despite playing well below its potential with the bat, ball and in the field. The Scorchers currently sit in second place behind reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes with three games remaining in the regular season. Next up: Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Birthday boy delivers with bat
Although the game didn’t end as he’d have liked, Aaron Hardie was among the game’s better batters. Hardie continued his strong form with the willow by compiling a patient, game-high 44 from 40 deliveries, summing up the challenging conditions quicker than most. Twenty-seven today, Hardie was a calming presence at the crease while wickets fell around him, boosting his season tally to a team-high 220 runs at 36.66 (strike rate 159.42).

Welcome back, Payney
English draftee David Payne didn’t miss a beat upon his Scorchers return, three days after winning the ILT20 final in Dubai with Desert Vipers on Sunday. The BBL|12 champion was typically economical with 1-23 and may well have celebrated a few more wickets on another day. Armed with several variations, excellent control and considerable experience in a variety of conditions, Payne shapes as an important piece of the Scorchers’ take for the remainder of the tournament.

Perth’s golden arm delivers again
Having prised the game open against Adelaide, Ashton Turner gave his team another boost in his sole over of the match. The captain flighted one in on a length and lured Hassan Khan into a lofted shot to long-on, where Finn Allen was waiting to accept the catch. Turner now has 3-2 from two overs in BBL|15, including seven dot balls, proving his worth as a circuit-breaker.

Adaptable Evans holds his own
Laurie Evans became the Scorchers’ fourth wicketkeeper in as many games after Josh Inglis (Sydney Thunder), Finn Allen (Hobart Hurricanes) and Joel Curtis (Adelaide Strikers), and handled the responsibility well. With a full suite of batters available and Allen (finger) unable to take the gloves, the part-time ‘keeper completed a stumping from Cooper Connolly’s bowling to remove Mohammad Rizwan, and was otherwise tidy in a relatively unfamiliar role.

Scorchers celebrate Pride
Perth Scorchers are proud to stand as allies of the LGBTQIA+ community through the Club’s annual Pride Match, continuing to champion diversity, inclusion and belonging across our game. Tonight’s celebration featured rainbow lighting, themed music and pre-game performances from DJ Leask, while the neighbouring Matagarup Bridge was also lit up in the colours of the Pride Rainbow.  The Scorchers, who have hosted WBBL and BBL Pride games since WBBL|08 and BBL|12, are committed to creating safe, welcoming environments where everyone feels respected and empowered to be their authentic selves, both on and off the field. Through ongoing education, consultation and meaningful engagement, Perth Scorchers are working to ensure inclusion remains a core part of the Club’s culture.