2013 Champions League T20 team preview: Perth Scorchers

Players to watch out for:

Shaun Marsh: Can he carry the Scorchers’ batting on his shoulders?

Spin bowling is an art that has its own value irrespective of the format. Even in T20’s, the spinners have a huge impact in the outcome of the game. Some teams use their spinners to open the bowling while others use them in the slog overs to reduce the flow of runs.

The conditions in India will be well suited for the spinners. The Perth Scorchers will land in India with three leading spinners, who are not only capable of checking the run flow, but also are capable of picking crucial wickets. Their spinners – Michael Beer, Ashton Agar and Brad Hogg have represented Australia in the past and with the exception of Agar, are experienced in Indian conditions.

Agar, however, will be buoyed by his performances in the two Tests for Australia in the recently concluded Ashes series. Beer will open the bowling with Alfonso Thomas whereas Agar and Hogg will be operating in the middle overs. The Scorchers will be looking forward to their spinners to deliver in the conditions that are suitable for them.

The spin line-up of the side looks threatening but the same can’t be said for their fast bowling and batting. Their batting department will solely rely on Shaun Marsh. Without Mike Hussey, Mitchell Marsh and Herschelle Gibbs the batting line-up looks too weak. So, the responsibility to carry the Scorches innings forward will be in the hands of the elder Marsh brother.

Shaun Marsh, the left handed opening batsman, is one of the better batsmen around the T20 circuit. Marsh, who has represented for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, has tons of runs under his belt and knows the Indian conditions very well. He will be expected to give the side a good start and carry the innings forward in the middle overs and set the platform for Adam Voges to finish off the innings. In the past, he has proved that he is a consistent performer in the T20 circuit and is equally good against the pacers and the spinners. The Scorchers will hope that Marsh finds some form before the CLT20 and lead them forward in the tournament.

Possible Playing XI: Sam Whiteman, Liam Davis, Shaun Marsh, Simon Katich, Adam Voges, Tom Triffitt, Jason Behrendorff, Ashton Agar, Michael Beer, Brad Hogg, Alfonso Thomas.

Perth Scorchers Schedule:

Monday 23 September v Lions in Ahmedabad

Wednesday 25 September v Qualifier in Jaipur

Sunday 29 September v Royals in Jaipur

Wednesday 02 October v Mumbai in Delhi