Scorchers Announce Final Squad for BBL Decider
Perth, Australia – The Perth Scorchers have finalized their 14-player squad for the KFC BBL|15 Final against the Sydney Sixers, with a key change seeing fast bowler Joel Paris return to the lineup. Left-handed batter Sam Fanning has been omitted as Paris prepares to make his comeback after a brief injury layoff.
Paris Ready to Make Impact
Paris, who signed with the Scorchers for the upcoming BBL|16 earlier this week, is set to play his first game since January 7. The fast bowler took 11 wickets at an impressive average of 16.72 through the first seven games of the tournament before being ruled out of the last four matches due to injury. His return adds depth to the Scorchers' bowling attack, which will be crucial in the high-stakes final.
Fanning Takes a Backseat
With Paris's inclusion, Sam Fanning has been left out of the squad. Fanning, a valuable left-handed batter, will have to wait for his chance to contribute as the Scorchers focus on their title defense. The decision to omit Fanning underscores the importance of having a balanced squad, with Paris's return providing a much-needed boost to the team's bowling options.
Scorchers Secure Final Spot
The Scorchers booked their spot in the decider with a commanding 48-run victory over the Sixers on Tuesday night in The Qualifier. The win was a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they overcame a challenging match to secure their place in the final. The Sixers, on the other hand, earned their passage to The Final by eliminating the reigning champions, the Hobart Hurricanes, in The Challenger at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Head-to-Head History
The two sides have met nine times in BBL Finals, with the Scorchers holding a 6-3 advantage. The teams also faced off in the opening game of BBL|15, with Perth emerging victorious in a rain-affected match by five wickets. The final will be the sixth time the Scorchers have hosted The Final at Optus Stadium, and they were also the higher-ranked team in the BBL|04 and BBL|11 Finals held in Canberra and Melbourne, respectively.
Record-Breaking Crowd Expected
An enormous crowd is expected to descend upon Optus Stadium to support the Scorchers in their quest for a sixth title. The first allocation of tickets for Sunday's match was exhausted in just 34 minutes after becoming available to the general public, highlighting the immense popularity of the event. The final allocation was promptly snapped up this morning, placing the club's record home crowd of 53,886 – set during the BBL|12 Final – under threat.
Squad Details
The Scorchers' squad for the KFC BBL|15 Final is as follows:
- Ashton Turner
- © Finn Allen (New Zealand)
- Mahli Beardman
- Cooper Connolly
- Brody Couch
- Laurie Evans (England)
- Aaron Hardie
- Nick Hobson
- Luke Holt (Local Replacement Player)
- Josh Inglis
- Mitchell Marsh
- Joel Paris
- David Payne (England)
- Jhye Richardson
IN: Joel Paris
OUT: Sam Fanning (Omitted)
Final Match Details
The Final between the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers will take place on Sunday, 25 January, with the first ball set to be bowled at 4:15 pm AWST at Optus Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on various platforms, including Seven, 7Plus, Foxtel, Kayo, ABC Sport, and SEN, ensuring cricket fans across Australia can follow the action.
Conclusion
With Joel Paris returning to the squad and the team's eyes set on a sixth title, the Perth Scorchers are poised for an exciting final against the Sydney Sixers. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for cricketing glory. Fans are eagerly anticipating what is sure to be a memorable day of T20 cricket.
