Perth Scorchers: SWOT Analysis

Scorchers won the BBL 2021-22 [Source: Twitter]

To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, Australia's grandest T20 tournament, the Big Bash League, is set to commence on December 13. Eight top-tier teams will battle is out for the coveted trophy, making the showpiece event a cracking watch for the spectators. 

Meanwhile, the defending champions Perth Scorchers will aim at retaining the title when they take the field against the Sydney Sixers in their opening clash on December 17. But will they succeed in their attempt? Let's analyse and find out how the Scorchers will fare in the mega event. 

Strengths

Formidable bowling unit

Andrew Tye was the top wicket taker for Perth last season [Source: Twitter]

If I look at the Scorchers' lineup, I find their pace-bowling unit as the most formidable one in the tournament. They have a lethal new-ball pair in Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff, with Lance Morris, Tymal Mills and Andrew Tye to spearhead them in the middle and death overs. Furthermore, their spin twins, Ashton Agar and Peter Hatzoglou are capable of dismantling any batting order on a given day. 

Experienced top order

The Scorchers will have a top order comprising of Josh Inglis, Faf du Plessis and Cameron Bancroft. These three players are pretty experienced in the shortest format, having participated in T20 leagues around the world. Particularly Faf will be a trump card for them with the bat in the tournament. 

Weakness

Key players' absence and a vulnerable middle order

Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the tournament [Source: Twitter]

To the misfortune of the Scorchers, Mitchell Marsh and Philip Salt have been ruled out of the tournament due to injuries. Laurie Evans, their most potent batting weapon last season, served a contract termination after returning a positive result in the dope test. 

Furthermore, Cameron Green will likely miss majority of the tournament, as he will probably play the Test series against South Africa starting December 26. 

As per the latest reports, they will likely draft English opener Jason Roy into the squad as a replacement for Salt. But that won't do them any good as they already have a decent enough top order. So, if they do so, it will result in a demotion for someone like Faf or Inglis, which in turn might adversely affect their batting in the tournament. 

Opportunity

The absence of crucial players will give a golden opportunity to the likes of Nick Hobson, Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly to showcase their skills and emerge as match-winners for the Scorchers. Hardie, who has a decent strike rate of 128.80 in 18 BBL outings, is expected to assist Turner and Agar towards the backend of the innings. He can also be useful with the ball, chipping in with a few overs. 

Threat

A RHB-heavy batting lineup

With Kurtis Patterson and Colin Munro leaving, Scorchers' batting lineup has become RHB-heavy and is, therefore, vulnerable to right-arm leg spin and slow left-arm spin. Although they will try to fit Cooper Connolly, the young lad's success is not guaranteed as he is untested at the highest level. 

Conclusion

Considering the aforementioned factors, I reckon the Scorchers won't be able to defend their title this season. They will primarily rely on their bowlers and it will be nothing short of a miracle if they qualify for the final. 

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