BBL15 SWOT analysis: Will Perth Scorchers rise again to dominate under Mitchell Marsh?

Mitchell Marsh will lead Scorchers in BBL15. [Source - AFP Photos]

Five-time champions Perth Scorchers will kick-off their 2025–26 campaign on December 14 against the Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium in Perth, aiming to bounce back from last season’s hot-and-cold campaign. Ending fifth and missing the knockouts, they enter with renewed purpose, though key departures make this year’s push for a sixth title intriguing.

As the new season begins, the Scorchers seek stability after an inconsistent 2024-25 run that exposed gaps across their squad. Experience and legacy remain strengths, yet replacing outgoing star-players will test their depth as they eyes towards their sixth BBL championship.

Perth Scorchers squad for BBL 2025-26

Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Agar, Ashton Turner, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Laurie Evans, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Lance Morris (injured), Joel Paris, David Payne and  Jhye Richardson.

Strengths of Perth Scorchers in BBL 2025-26

1. Batting muscle

Perth Scorchers' batting unit looks a major strength, with improved intent expected from the top order through the middle overs and into the finishing phase, setting them up to surpass last season’s performance.

Mitchell Marsh availability at the top:

• Marsh is arguably one of the best T20 openers in the world currently: 1081 runs at 161.34 strike-rate in 2025.
• Finn Allen (SR 184.69 last season) and Sam Hanning (SR 142 last season) provide explosive options to partner.
• Powerplay scoring, last season at 123.33 strike-rate, is expected to improve sharply.

Laurie Evans’ comeback boost:

• The Scorchers’ middle-order is one of the best in the league, averaging 31.29 with a strike rate of 135.80 last season. 
• The middle-order previously struggled at SR ~126 last season but accelerates to 172 in death overs.

• Laurie Evans’ return strengthens Perth’s middle-order, given his 161 strike rate in middle-overs for Perth Scorchers in the past.

2. Pace dominance

Perth Scorchers boast an all-round pace attack that remains elite despite Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye’s exit, with their pace-friendly home conditions.

• Fit Jhye Richardson leads the attack, have 35 wickets at 6.95 RPO inside thepowerplay in BBL.
• Incoming English left-arm swing pacer David Payne acts as a like-for-like Behrendorff replacement.
• Jhye anchors the middle overs with pace and control.
• Brody Couch's addition adds depth and reliability in the middle with 7.71 RPO between 7-16 overs in BBL.
• Unit collectively delivers strong death-overs returns, keeping Scorchers’ pace attack complete across all phases.

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Weaknesses of Perth Scorcers in BBL 2025-26

1. Lack of wicket-taking spin

Perth Scorchers lack wicket-taking spin option, with Ashton Agar and Cooper Connolly’s finger spin not enough to draw breakthroughs, leaving a persistent middle-overs wicket gap.

• Spin unit produced only 14 wickets at 31 average last season, showing limited penetration.
• Agar and Connolly took six wickets each, functioning more as run-stopping option,
• No wrist-spinner or mystery spin, reducing variation in middle overs.

2. Away-game inconsistency issue

Perth Scorchers’ heavy home dependence continues to hurt them. Champions thrive in all conditions, but the Scorchers have struggled to replicate their dominance on the road.

• Only 3 away wins in the last two seasons combined.
• Managed just 1 win from 5 away matches last season.
• Performances dip sharply when conditions do not mirror Optus Stadium.

Opportunities

1. Morris out, Beardman–Jackson in

Lance Morris, a key pillar of the Scorchers’ pace attack, will miss the entire BBL after undergoing back surgery. His absence creates timely opportunities for young pacers like Mahli Beardman and Bryce Jackson to come in and make meaningful impacts.

2. Connolly eyes T20 World Cup 2026

Cooper Connolly is targeting a spot in the T20 World Cup 2026, aiming to showcase his aggressive middle-order batting skills. Typically slotted at number 4 or 5, being a lefty, he can be a handy option for the Aussies if he has a good BBL.

Threats

1. Injury risks loom

Injuries can be a big threat to the Perth Scorchers’ campaign. With Lance Morris already unavailable and Jhye Richardson having a history of fitness concerns, any setback to Richardson could hurt their pace attack, which heavily relies on his back.

2. Unsettled No. 3 spot

Perth Scorchers face uncertainty at the crucial number three position. Aaron Hardie underperformed last season, while Cooper Connolly is looking as the best option and potentially weakening the middle-order stability where he thrives the most.

Perth Scorchers' probable XI for BBL 2025-26

Mitchell Marsh (c), Finn Allen (wk), Cooper Connolly, Laurie Evans, Ashton Turner, Nick Hobson,  Ashton Agar, Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson, Brody Couch and David Payne.

Expected Finish: 5th

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