Perth Scorchers batsman Laurie Evans has delivered a glowing endorsement of new English import David Payne, tipping the left-arm paceman to become a decisive weapon for the defending champions during the crucial final stages of the Big Bash League season.
Payne's Arrival Bolsters Scorchers' Attack
The Scorchers have welcomed David Payne as a replacement for the injured left-armer, Lance Morris, who has been called up to the Australian Test squad. Payne, 32, arrives with a strong reputation in English county cricket and international T20 experience, having played for Gloucestershire and the Welsh Fire in The Hundred.
Evans, who has faced Payne in the UK, provided a firsthand scouting report for Scorchers fans. He highlighted Payne's unique angle and skill with the new ball as major assets. "He's a left-armer, so he provides a different angle, which is always handy," Evans said. "He's got good skills up front with the new ball and I think he'll be a real weapon for us in the back end of the tournament."
Managing a Stacked Pace Battery
The addition of Payne gives the Scorchers an enviable depth in fast bowling, joining an attack featuring Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye, and the emerging Cooper Connolly. Managing this wealth of talent is a challenge the club welcomes.
"We've got a seriously good bowling attack," Evans acknowledged. "It's a good headache for the coaches to have." He suggested the team would likely adopt a rotational policy to keep their premier quicks fresh for the finals, a strategy that has served the perennial contenders well in past campaigns.
Evans also confirmed that star allrounder Cameron Green is fully integrated into the squad after his international duties and is available for their upcoming match.
Evans Finding Form at the Right Time
After a slow start to BBL|13, Laurie Evans has hit a rich vein of form, scoring a rapid 85 not out against the Melbourne Renegades. He credits his improvement to hard work and slight technical adjustments.
"I've been working really hard on a few things," Evans explained. "I just simplified a couple of things and it's nice to see it come off." His return to scoring runs freely is a timely boost for the Scorchers as they aim to secure a top-two finish and a home finals berth.
The Scorchers' next challenge is a clash with the Sydney Thunder at Sydney Showground Stadium on Wednesday evening. With Payne now in the mix and key players hitting form, the defending champions are positioning themselves strongly for another deep playoff run.
