Fast bowler Brody Couch has spurned rival interest to remain with the reigning champions, as keeper Joel Curtis also re-signed with Perth Scorchers.
The Scorchers’ Big Bash title defence is taking shape after English international Zak Crawley was unveiled on Tuesday to replace big-hitting Kiwi Finn Allen after his big-money move to Melbourne Stars.
Couch played eight games, including the final, and took five wickets, but adds air-speed to the squad and has worked on his variations after breaking into the global T20 circuit.
The 26-year-old is eager for the men in orange to go back-to-back and said that was a part of his decision to stay in Western Australia, where he also plays domestic cricket.
“I’m incredibly excited to sign with the Scorchers again this season,” he said.
“Playing in last season’s BBL Final was one of the highlights of my career, and I’ll never forget the incredible atmosphere generated by our Members and fans that night.”
Wicketkeeper Joel Curtis played only one game in his first season with the Scorchers, but that taste was more than enough motivation to earn him another contract.
“Growing up, watching the Scorchers and seeing all the success they’ve had and then being able to be a part of it last season, I think it’s just a great feeling and experience to be a part of,” he told Nine.
With Josh Inglis yet to re-sign at the club due to likely spending the summer on international duties, and Allen having filled the gap last year as a part-time keeper, there is a slot in the team open for a wicketkeeper who can bat with power.
Curtis has produced a strong start to his white-ball career with WA, boasting a one-day average of 42.36 from 11 outings with one century.
The 26-year-old also cracked a Sheffield Shield hundred last summer.
Scorchers General Manager Kade Harvey said the pair’s efforts at domestic level had warranted new deals with the championship-winning franchise.
“Brody’s sheer pace always asks a lot of questions of opposition batters, while Joel has established himself as an extremely dangerous wicketkeeper-batter across formats for WA, and we are confident he can translate that to the shortest form of the game,” he said.
Perth still have five list spots available.
Perth Scorchers KFC BBL|16 Squad Ashton Turner © Ashton Agar Mahli Beardman Cooper Connolly Brody Couch Zak Crawley Joel Curtis Aaron Hardie Calvin Harrison Mitch Marsh Lance Morris Joel Paris Jhye Richardson
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails