The Big Bash League has reached its business end, but table toppers Perth Scorchers will miss the services of spinner Ashton Agar.
The ongoing edition of the BBL has reached its final leg. The all-important India vs Australia series will get underway next month. Defending champions Perth Scorchers will be without the services of Agar, who is part of the Australia squad. Another player who may miss the all important qualifying match is Jhye Richardson.
As reported in the ESPN Cricinfo, the injured Richardson might be ruled out of the qualifying final between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers.
Scorchers have enjoyed a stellar season as they finished way ahead of the pack. Following their fourteen league stage games, the Perth team finished on top of the points table. Scorchers and arch-rivals Sydney Sixers were the two outstanding teams this season, with Sixers finishing second on the table.
In their final league game, reigning champions Scorchers sealed the top spot of the BBL points table with a 10-run win over Melbourne Renegades at the Optus Stadium. The win saw Scorchers secure a home qualifying final against Sixers.
But with the big match set to get underway, Scorchers will need to plug the gap. With Agar set to miss the big match, the champions have picked 19-year-old spin all rounder Cooper Connolly.
Scorchers name Agar replacement
“One we got confirmation that Ash (Agar) wasn’t going to be available for our final here on Saturday, we felt now was the opportunity for him to start his prep for the Test tour,” Scorchers coach Adam Voges was quoted by Cricinfo.
“We’ve talked a lot with Ash through the back half of this campaign about how we can help keep preparing him for what’s coming up as well as what’s in front of him at the moment. We wouldn’t have done that without his blessing. I fully understand how important this upcoming tour of India is for him and him wanting to get the best possible preparation. It wasn’t really an issue at all,” said the coach.
Meanwhile, Richardson who is set to return from his hamstring injury, will need to petite his fitness.
Meanwhile, in the Sixers’ camp, Steven Smith will be available for the qualifier.
