Perth Scorchers fast bowler Lance Morris is hopeful a string of early home matches in KFC BBL|16 can get the Club’s title defence off to a fast start.
Scorchers out to capitalise on early home games
The Scorchers bid for a seventh BBL title will commence with a landmark clash against Melbourne Renegades at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday 12 December.
After returning from the historic clash in India, the Scorchers will finish the month with three home games at The Furnace.
Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder will venture west for matches against the reigning champions on Sunday 20 December, Saturday 26 December and Wednesday 30 December respectively.
Morris said the fixture provided the Scorchers a golden opportunity to build early momentum.
“We’ve got an awesome opportunity to play some exciting cricket in front of our home crowd that offers a pretty big advantage,” Morris told reporters on Tuesday.
“We like to think Optus is a bit of fortress for us.
“I think we will be well placed after having a decent stint at home.”
The Scorchers will play two games at Optus Stadium in the New Year against Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades on Monday 4 January and Wednesday 13 January.
Tuesday’s fixture release follows the announcement of the season opener in Chennai last week, which will be the first BBL game played outside of Australia.
Morris said the Scorchers would be well suited to playing in Indian conditions.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel over there,” he said.
“I think we are also lucky enough to have some guys that have played IPL cricket recently and done well in Ingo (Josh Inglis), Cooper Connolly and Mitch Marsh.
“Having those players to lean on for advice will go a long way.”
Two trips to Sydney and one to both Brisbane and Adelaide await the Scorchers in the second half of the tournament between 2 and 16 January.
Morris said he was looking forward to the opportunity to being back in orange this season after missing BBL|15.
"I didn't get to play last year, but being at home games felt like the team culture was in a really good place," he said.
"Everyone is enjoying playing for the Perth Scorchers."