Analysis - Perth Scorchers
After fielding a terribly depleted and inexperienced side in the Champions League Twenty20, the Scorchers get their guns back and look a force once more.
Both Marshes (Shaun & Mitch) were injured during the October CLT20, but they are both available and will slot right back into the Scorchers’ top order. Other regulars Liam Davis (injury) and Adam Voges (Aus duty) both had to withdraw from the tournament too, which rubbed salt in the wound.
The absence of both Nathan Coulter-Nile (Mumbai Indians) & Alfonso Thomas (injury) further weakened the pace attack – basically a second string Scorchers XI had to be fielded.
Now, with all of those guys back, and the inclusion of West Indian opener Dwayne Smith (who incidentally, was the Player of the Tournament at the CLT20), it’s a very strong Scorchers side.
As Smith, Voges, Marsh and potentially Ash Turner all capable of bowling overs, Perth can afford to have their number one ‘keeper Sam Whiteman batting at number seven, me thinks.
Update 17/12: Ryan Duffield has replaced the injured Pat Cummins for the Big Bash. Our thoughts are with Pat as he struggles to overcome these career threatening niggles.
Update 19/12: Dwayne Smith to miss the first match due to family reasons.
Both Marshes (Shaun & Mitch) were injured during the October CLT20, but they are both available and will slot right back into the Scorchers’ top order. Other regulars Liam Davis (injury) and Adam Voges (Aus duty) both had to withdraw from the tournament too, which rubbed salt in the wound.
The absence of both Nathan Coulter-Nile (Mumbai Indians) & Alfonso Thomas (injury) further weakened the pace attack – basically a second string Scorchers XI had to be fielded.
Now, with all of those guys back, and the inclusion of West Indian opener Dwayne Smith (who incidentally, was the Player of the Tournament at the CLT20), it’s a very strong Scorchers side.
As Smith, Voges, Marsh and potentially Ash Turner all capable of bowling overs, Perth can afford to have their number one ‘keeper Sam Whiteman batting at number seven, me thinks.
Update 17/12: Ryan Duffield has replaced the injured Pat Cummins for the Big Bash. Our thoughts are with Pat as he struggles to overcome these career threatening niggles.
Update 19/12: Dwayne Smith to miss the first match due to family reasons.
Predicted Week 1 Side:
1. Liam Davis
2. Shaun Marsh
3. Simon Katich
4. Adam Voges
5. Mitch Marsh
6. Ashton Turner
7. Sam Whiteman
8. Ashton Agar / Brad Hogg
9. Nathan Coulter-Nile
10. Alfonso Thomas
11. Michael Beer
2. Shaun Marsh
3. Simon Katich
4. Adam Voges
5. Mitch Marsh
6. Ashton Turner
7. Sam Whiteman
8. Ashton Agar / Brad Hogg
9. Nathan Coulter-Nile
10. Alfonso Thomas
11. Michael Beer
Fantasy Relevant
Shaun Marsh – Batsman, $113,900
One of my favourite batsmen in the country. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back in the Aussie side ASAP, and I’m not afraid to say that. But his worth in Fantasy Big Bash is summed up by his price-tag: one of the biggest in the competition. No ground is big enough for Marsh once he gets going.
Michael Beer – Bowler, $75,800
One of the Scorchers’ first picked. He takes the new ball, is often miserly and gives very little away. Okay, he won’t contribute with the bat – but he will bowl his four overs and averages a wicket per game.
Simon Katich – Batsman, $36,000
Given the Scorchers’ thin batting stocks, Katich will play, and prove very handy – as he did at the CLT20. He’s experienced in all conditions and people who think he’s just a nicker-and-nudger haven’t seen him at his brutal best. At $36,000 a steal.
Nathan Coulter-Nile – Bowler, $81,400
I’ve got NCN here because I think he offers a bit of value. Since the last Big Bash, he was in the winning CLT20 side for the Mumbai Indians and has represented Australia. You would have to assume that he’ll improve from those experiences. He bowls at a good click and is more than handy with the bat. Even better, he’s available as a bowler.
One of my favourite batsmen in the country. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back in the Aussie side ASAP, and I’m not afraid to say that. But his worth in Fantasy Big Bash is summed up by his price-tag: one of the biggest in the competition. No ground is big enough for Marsh once he gets going.
Michael Beer – Bowler, $75,800
One of the Scorchers’ first picked. He takes the new ball, is often miserly and gives very little away. Okay, he won’t contribute with the bat – but he will bowl his four overs and averages a wicket per game.
Simon Katich – Batsman, $36,000
Given the Scorchers’ thin batting stocks, Katich will play, and prove very handy – as he did at the CLT20. He’s experienced in all conditions and people who think he’s just a nicker-and-nudger haven’t seen him at his brutal best. At $36,000 a steal.
Nathan Coulter-Nile – Bowler, $81,400
I’ve got NCN here because I think he offers a bit of value. Since the last Big Bash, he was in the winning CLT20 side for the Mumbai Indians and has represented Australia. You would have to assume that he’ll improve from those experiences. He bowls at a good click and is more than handy with the bat. Even better, he’s available as a bowler.