Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers quick Joel Paris proud of spinners but says Optus Stadium still pace friendly

Perth Scorchers quick Joel Paris admits there’s a perception the five-time champions have a weakness against spin, especially at Optus Stadium, after Adelaide Strikers played four tweakers on Sunday night.

The Strikers bowled 16 straight overs of spin to brilliant effect, including a stretch of 3-2 inside seven balls that saw the Scorchers muddle through to a below-par 8-153 despite the openers putting on 72 runs.

They were even so eager to put Perth through a spin trail they sent out an SOS message to South African veteran Tabraiz Shamsi to join the squad from the UAE a game early.

However, as much as Perth struggled, the visitors fared just as poorly.

Ashton Agar, skipper Ashton Turner, and Cooper Connolly all claimed wickets with spin, as the home side claimed a gutsy 33-run victory.

Asked after the match if he felt opposition teams believed Perth were vulnerable to spin, Paris, who also claimed 3-22, answered: “Yeah, maybe.”

“They’re high-quality spinners that bowled tonight for both teams,” he said.

“When they’re on, it’s difficult as a batter when you first come in. As a quick, if you’re marginally off the ball flies and it goes through the fielders or straight over their heads.

“I still think pace has a big influence here, but I think on a night like tonight, where clearly spin was having such a big impact, we needed to run with that.

“But at the same time, we back our quicks in to be able to do a really good job here, which they have been able to do for a really long period of time.

“I’m sure at some stage those sorts of conversations will happen. The XI that gets put out onto the oval has to contribute heavily, and for the last three games, three wins on the bounce, so we’ve been able to do that.”

But if Adelaide’s tactics are anything to go by, the Scorchers will need to brace for more spinners.

Shamsi wasn’t scheduled to join the Strikers until January 7, but revealed Adelaide were desperate for a four-pronged spin attack against Perth.

And given the South African veteran had only ever been able to run drinks at Optus Stadium, he was more than happy to answer the call.

“That’s why I got the surprise call, I was only supposed to join later, but they were like ‘listen, you’ve got to get to Perth, we’re going to bowl more spin’,” he said post-match.

“I’d just finished a tournament in the UAE, and I was there with my wife and son, enjoying ourselves. I got the visa as soon as I could, and then the embassy closed down as well for New Year’s celebrations, so it was a little bit of a panic not knowing when I’m going to fly, but my bags were packed.

“And maybe teams coming here in the future will change their plans as well because me being from South Africa, I’ve always known Perth is pace and bounce, and you play your fast bowlers.

“I was actually saying to our guys I’ve worn a bib here lots of times. Whenever I come here with South Africa, they go with four seamers, you know, pace and bounce, so it was nice to actually get here (and bowl).

“I’ve always left here sad because I never got the opportunity to play, so it was nice to be out in the middle.”

With the Scorchers playing another home game against Melbourne Renegades on Wednesday, an extra spinner is sure to come into the selection equations with Corey Rocchiccioli waiting in the wings.