BBL11: Allrounder Ashton Turner takes Perth Scorchers’ captaincy reins permanently

Allrounder Ashton Turner hopes he can provide some stability as permanent Perth Scorchers captain after getting a “run-up” into the tournament. Turner was thrown into the role late last summer instead of regular skipper Mitch Marsh, but with the T20 World Cup hero unavailable for the first few matches due to national duties, it’s his job a lot earlier. “It’s nice to officially take the reins,” Turner told The West Australian. “I didn’t expect to do it last year but I was happy to help out in whatever capacity the team needed and how that came about was probably a bit different to this year. “I’ve probably got a bit more of a run up into my role as captain this year and can put a bit more time and energy into being the best leader that I can be and to help us be the best team that we can be. “There’s a lot of uncertainty around our fixtures, the schedule and everything that comes with the world that we currently live in, so to have a bit of stability with the captaincy will hold us in good stead going into a long tournament.” Turner was excited to get fellow allrounder Ashton Agar back from Australia ‘A’ duties after he missed the entire BBL10 with finger and calf issues. Agar has 33 BBL wickets at an average of 32 and economy rate of 7.39 runs per over, to go with 517 runs at 19.15 and a strike rate of 115, with his fielding ability up there with the best in the country. Turner was looking forward to the spin twins combination of Agar and former Melbourne Renegade Peter Hatzoglou. “I think they’re going to play a really important role for us, especially on the east coast,” Turner said. “Anyone who can bowl 100km/h leg-spinners like Peter is pretty amazing, not many people in the world can do that. “Ash Agar is one of the best spinners in the role at the moment.” Turner has backed the squad’s pace-bowling depth to cover the loss of English import Brydon Carse, who suffered a season-ending knee injury, and Ashes squad member Jhye Richardson. Speedster Lance Morris is in doubt for the start of the tournament with a side strain, leaving Australian white-ball regulars Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff and forgotten seamer Matt Kelly as the only fit, available front-line options. The Scorchers are looking into replacement import options alongside English batter Laurie Evans and returning New Zealand hitter Colin Munro. “Last year was probably an exception to the rule where we did have most of our fast-bowlers available for the majority of the tournament,” Turner said. “The downside was we had some quality guys like Matt Kelly sitting on the bench and not playing any cricket, same with Joel Paris who’s gone to Hobart now.” Turner said he wouldn’t be afraid to bowl himself when needed after shoulder issues hampered his off-spinners in recent years. Former Test opener Cam Bancroft will take the gloves while regular ‘keeper Josh Inglis is playing for Australia ‘A’ which could turn into the whole tournament if he’s picked over Alex Carey as Tim Paine’s successor. The Scorchers campaign starts against Brisbane at Optus Stadium on December 8. The second home fixture against Adelaide Strikers, scheduled for December 11, has been moved to Sydney Showgrounds because of WA’s coronavirus border restrictions. The December 20 clash against Hobart Hurricanes is locked in for Optus Stadium with Cricket Australia to work in “blocks” of fixtures.