BBL 14 SWOT Analysis: The Strengths And Weaknesses Of Perth Scorchers

Debashis Sarangi

Scorchers will face Stars in BBL 14 opener [Source: @ScorchersBBL/X]Scorchers will face Stars in BBL 14 opener [Source: @ScorchersBBL/X]

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To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the fourteenth season of the Big Bash League is all set to commence on the 15th of this month. Eight extremely competitive teams- Adelaide Strikers, Perth Scorchers, Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades- will battle it out across 44 matches, including four playoff fixtures, for the coveted trophy. 

Talking about Perth Scorchers, they have been the most successful team in BBL history, having clinched the title five times. So, as the BBL approaches, let's analyse their strengths and weaknesses and find out their most potent playing combination ahead of the tournament opener against Melbourne Stars in Perth. 

Perth Scorchers Squad For BBL 14

Finn Allen, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (WK), Ashton Turner (C), Nick Hobson, Cooper Connolly, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, Andrew Tye, Mahli Beardman, Matthew Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Spoors, Keaton Jennings, Matty Hurst, Bryce Jackson

Strengths Of Perth Scorchers For BBL 14

Formidable Middle Order

Perth Scorchers, unarguably, have the most formidable middle order in the Big Bash League. While Aaron Hardie will bat at number three, the likes of Josh Inglis, Ashton Turner and Nick Hobson form their solid middle-order core. 

Furthermore, the inclusion of Cooper Connolly adds firepower to the order, while Ashton Agar can also chip in with valuable cameos in the lower middle order. Thus, the Scorchers are blessed with batting depth, which gives their batters the license to play their natural game. In fact, Inglis and Turner are their biggest match-winners and are expected to emerge as their go-to men this season. 

All-Round Pace Attack

Perth Scorchers have the most potent pace-bowling attack in the BBL 14. Jason Behrendorff brings left-arm swing to the table, while Jhye Richardson can make the new ball talk at a brisk pace. 

Andrew Tye, the second most successful bowler in BBL history, strengthens the Scorchers' death-bowling, with 'the wild thing' Lance Morris can trouble the batters with sheer pace on Perth Stadium's seam-friendly surface. Added to that, their skipper Aaron Hardie can also chip in with a few overs of quality medium pace. Thus, they have an all-round pace attack, with each bowler bringing his unique skillset to the table. 

Weaknesses Of Perth Scorchers For BBL 14

Technical Limitations Of Openers

Finn Allen and Sam Fanning, who will likely open the batting in the absence of Mitchell Marsh, definitely form a destructive opening pair. However, they are vulnerable to movement, and the fast bowlers can capitalise on their technical flaws with the new ball. 

Lack Of Potent Spin Options

Ashton Agar is the solitary renowned spin bowler in the Scorchers' BBL 14 squad. Once they used to have Peter Hatzoglou, but they don't have the luxury of depth in their spin bowling department this time. Having said that, Cooper Connolly and Ashton Turner would be needed to play the second fiddle as far as the Scorchers' spin bowling is concerned. 

Probable Playing XI Of Perth Scorchers For First Match

Finn Allen ✈️
Sam Fanning
Aaron Hardie 
Josh Inglis (WK)
Ashton Turner (C)
Nick Hobson
Cooper Connolly
Ashton Agar
Jason Behrendorff
Jhye Richardson (if not fit then Lance Morris)
Andrew Tye