Defending BBL champions Perth Scorchers announce emerging all-rounder Aaron Hardie as their captain for the remainder of BBL 2023-24. He will replace Ashton Turner, who will miss the remainder of the BBL season after suffering a meniscus tear in his right knee.
The Perth Scorchers have won the previous two seasons of the Big Bash League and are on course for a third consecutive title-winning campaign. Even after Ashton Turner’s injury, they are the favorites to lift the title with three consecutive victories. Newly announced captain Aaron Hardie arrives after a match-winning knock against Hobart Hurricanes, scoring 85 off 45 balls while chasing a target of 173.
“One of our great strengths is that we feel comfortable using that experience and knowledge to improve the team as a collective. “I am sure that the entire team will remain focused and united to give us the best chance of winning another title.” the 24-year-old said.
Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges was confident his team would fill Ashton Turner’s void in the team. Ashton Turner has been magnificent for the Perth Scorchers, leading them to two consecutive BBL titles and scoring half-centuries in two consecutive finals.
“Clearly losing AT is disappointing, but his injury presents an opportunity for Aaron to demonstrate his leadership skills during the tournament. We have long seen Aaron as a promising leader. He will have plenty of support from those around him – the coaches, vice-captain Josh Inglis and the rest of a very experienced playing squad.
“We have full faith that the group will rally around Aaron and attack the remainder of the season with the same intensity and focus that has brought us success in recent years.” Voges said.
The Perth Scorchers have won the BBL title twice in a row
The Perth Scorchers have played three consecutive finals under Ashton Turner, winning two of them consecutively. They lost to Sydney Sixers in the 2020-21 season and then defeated them in the 2021-22 final. The Perth Scorchers won the title again last season (2022-23) when they defeated the Brisbane Heat in the final.
Currently, Perth Scorchers are third in the BBL table with two wins from three matches and one match ended in a no-win. They have collected five points from three matches and are just behind Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers in the table. They have players like Zak Crawley, Aaron Hardie, Mithcell Marsh, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Inglis and Jhye Richardson in the team.
Mitchell Marsh is currently unavailable in the BBL as he is with the Australia National Cricket Team for their three-match Test series against Pakistan. He was the Man of the Match against Pakistan in the first Test played in Perth. The BBL has no matches scheduled for Sunday and Monday, i.e. December 24 and 25 due to the Christmas holidays.
The Perth Scorchers will host the winless Melbourne Renegades at Optus Stadium in Perth on December 26. On the same day, Australia and Pakistan will meet at the MCG in the second Test of the three-match series.
