Scorchers down to nine available players
Dec 20, 2017 - 4:32 PM Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer thinks it's funny some people are rating his team as title favourites, saying he'll have as few as nine main-squad players to choose from for their season opener.The Scorchers have been ravaged by injuries and international call-ups in the lead-up to Saturday night's showdown with the Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
Star pace duo Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile will miss the start of the season with back injuries, while wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman (finger) faces a race to even play at all this season.
International call-ups to Mitch Marsh, Cameron Bancroft, and Shaun Marsh have robbed the Scorchers of more firepower.
And the availability of star batsman Michael Klinger remains up in the air after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Paceman Cameron Green (back) is another player whose availability for the opener is up in the air, with speedster Joel Paris also no certainty to play.
The Scorchers are the most successful team in BBL history, having won the title three times to go with two runners-up finishes.
Given their golden past and enviable amount of talent, the Scorchers are rated as equal favourites alongside the Melbourne Stars to win this season's title.
Langer thinks it's ironic that his team have been the underdogs for so many years, yet are now finally favourites at a time when they are dealing with their worst injury crisis ever.
"We have literally got nine players to choose from from our 18-man contract list at the moment," Langer said.
"We'll have a couple of guys who will make their debut for the Scorchers this weekend.
"But we've got so much talent here. They'll get a chance, and they'll step up."
Will Bosisto, who wasn't included in the original 18-man squad, is one player set to earn a crack against the Sixers, with Josh Philippe another who could be thrown into the deep end.
Former Test star Mitchell Johnson will lead the attack in the absence of Behrendorff and Coulter-Nile.
Perth only have one import - English allrounder David Willey.
Source: AAP
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