New Zealand batter Finn Allen on his way to Perth from Auckland.
UPDATE: New Zealand batting sensation Finn Allen has arrived in Perth, expressing his eagerness to team up with Australian Twenty20 captain Mitch Marsh at the top of the order as the Perth Scorchers aim for a championship run in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. This exciting partnership is set to debut in the season opener against the Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium on July 15, 2023.
Allen, who touched down in Perth Monday afternoon, is determined to build on his performance from last season, where he scored 181 runs in 10 innings, including a high score of 68. He is thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with Marsh, who has had limited appearances in the BBL due to his focus on Test cricket. Their only previous encounter on the field was brief, with Marsh dismissed for a golden duck during a match against the Melbourne Renegades.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there,” Allen told The West Australian. “He’s an exciting player and captain of the Australian team. We both like to take the game on, and I can’t wait to see how we work together.”
The return of Allen coincides with the arrival of fan-favorite Laurie Evans, who is also back in the fold after his previous stint with the Scorchers. With first-choice wicketkeeper Josh Inglis currently in the Test side, a competition is heating up between Allen and Evans for the wicketkeeping role early in the season.
“It’s been talked about for sure. It will be me or Laurie, so we’ll see how that goes,” Allen commented, highlighting the stakes as the season approaches.
Allen aims to improve upon a mixed first season where he experienced both highs and lows, including two half-centuries but also two ducks. He stated, “I had a lot of learnings from last year. I think my game feels like it’s gone a long way since last time I was here.”
As the Scorchers gear up for their BBL campaign, fans are buzzing with anticipation about the explosive combination of Allen and Marsh. The team’s focus on reclaiming their place in the finals has never been more urgent, and with their season opener just days away, all eyes will be on how this dynamic duo performs together.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops ahead of the BBL season kickoff!
