The Perth Scorchers have made a significant change to their lineup for Tuesday night's Big Bash League encounter against the Sydney Thunder at Engie Stadium, welcoming back Australian Test reserve Josh Inglis.
Inglis Returns, Hobson Makes Way
In a straight swap, batter Nick Hobson has been omitted to accommodate the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis. This match marks Inglis's first appearance of the BBL season for the Scorchers. Hobson departs after scoring 55 runs across his three matches in the tournament so far.
The Scorchers, who were sent in to bat by the Thunder, have listed Inglis to take the gloves and bat at number four. This move is expected to relieve part-timer Finn Allen of wicketkeeping duties. All-rounder Aaron Hardie will slide down the order to the number seven position, filling the spot vacated by Hobson.
Spin Option Omitted Despite Pitch Reputation
In a notable selection decision, the Scorchers' coaching staff have resisted the temptation to include spinner Corey Rocchiccioli. Rocchiccioli was added to the squad last week as a replacement for the injured Jhye Richardson and was named in the extended 14-man group for this fixture.
Despite the Engie Stadium wicket's notorious reputation for being low and slow – a surface where Perth bowled ten overs of spin in a heavy defeat to the Thunder last season – the think tank has chosen to stick with a three-pronged pace attack. The decision was made after pitch assessments in the 24 hours leading up to the game.
Unchanged Bowling Attack Backed In
This means the Scorchers will field the same bowling unit that played in their loss to the Hobart Hurricanes in Perth last Friday night. Speedsters Brody Couch and Mahli Beardman will partner left-arm quick Joel Paris as the primary seam options.
The team will still have spin resources available through Ashton Agar and Cooper Connolly. Captain Ashton Turner, who has been bowling in training, also remains a potential part-time option to provide variety if required.
The Scorchers will be hoping the inclusion of Inglis provides a boost to their middle order as they look to bounce back from their recent defeat and secure a crucial victory on the road against the Sydney Thunder.
