The latest development on Monday revealed current KFC Big Bash League (BBL) champions Perth Scorchers has availed the services of England paceman David Willey for the seventh edition of the widely-acclaimed league.
Willey reiterated the professional unit has helped to improve his game in one way or another while adding the head coach of the unit Justin Langer has had been very supportive in the camp.
“It’s one of the best groups of lads I’ve ever played with over my career and I love playing under (coach Justin Langer),” Willey stated in a Scorchers’ release.
So far, Scorchers had won three BBL titles since its inception in 2011 under the tutelage of Cricket Australia. The Twenty20 professional competition has housed eight teams to wrestle out for the coveted title.
Expressing an excitement over fetching the fresh contract, Willey is hopeful of delivering his best for Scorchers in the much-awaited competition.
“I’m really pleased to be heading back to Perth, it’s such a great competition and great place to play cricket and I absolutely love playing for the Scorchers,” Willey said in a statement.
Interestingly, the 27-year-old bowling all-rounder Willey has become the only overseas player – to be the part of Scorchers squad for the upcoming BBL edition. Adam Voges-led Scorchers side has further set eyes on the fourth title.
The club confirmed the deal on November six with Willey, who is seen as a significant prospect for the Perth-based outfit.
“The challenge to get in the playing side will be tough but that’s good to be a part of,” Willey asserted.
The Northampton bowler Willey could play an imperative role with the swing bowling, as he becomes eventually handy with the bat owing to the lower-order batting line-up.
With 43 matches scheduled between eight outfits, the tournament will run through December 19 and February 04. On the other side, the distinct clubs could induct as many as two overseas players in the playing XI.
Following the norm, the clubs have had filled in the two vacant spots with overseas players in the past six editions.
Willey was the part of the title-holder in the sixth edition. However, he did not make it to the XI against Sixers when Three Lions’ Tim Bresnan represented the side in a one-sided affair in January this year.
“I was sitting at home on the sofa thinking about what the Scorchers side will be and I was thinking I might not get in the team now,” Willey revealed.
Outstanding Scorchers played five BBL finals, and surprisingly three came against Sydney Sixers, as Willey will be playing in his third year for the dominant club.
While reflecting on the BBL, Willey termed it as the massive thing in Australian fold and one of the best tournaments across the globe for gaining the popularity across the game.
“I think the Big Bash is the best T20 competition in the world,” Willey concluded.
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The promising Willey, who made his first appearance in the fifth edition, went on to feature in 14 matches for the franchise in which he bagged 17 scalps at an average of 20.64.