THE 2024/25 Big Bash League (BBL) season is right around the corner, kicking off with a clash between the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars on December 15. Another bumper schedule plays host to 40 matches followed by a finals series which will see the BBL|14 title awarded on January 27.

With plenty of water passing under the bridge since BBL|13, including a draft and signing period, we get you back up to speed with all the ins and outs before the new season. The Scorchers are up next in our preview series, looking to get back to the promised land and add to a competition-high five titles.

>> PREVIEWS: Brisbane Heat | Sydney Sixers

BBL|13 RECAP

Record: 6-3, 1NR | 0-1 Finals | 4th

After consecutive titles to take their tally up to five overall, the Scorchers were eliminated in the Knockout by a surging Strikers side in BBL|13. That’s not to say it wasn’t a successful season at The Furnace, as Perth notched up a 6-3 record including wins over Adelaide and eventual champions, Brisbane Heat. The perennial contender just fell short against the best when it mattered most.

BBL|14 SQUAD

Ashton Agar, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matthew Hurst, Josh Inglis, Keaton Jennings, Matt Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Spoors, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye

Note: Perth will have to sign replacement players for each of its Australian Test representatives, but has filled all 18 list spots.

SQUAD CHANGES

IN: Finn Allen (pre-listed), Mahli Beardman, Matthew Hurst (draft), Keaton Jennings (draft), Matthew Spoors

OUT: Hamish McKenzie (Stars), Laurie Evans (Renegades)

Having shown vulnerability atop the batting order last season, the Scorchers pulled off one of the coups of the draft by pre-listing New Zealand opener Finn Allen. The damaging power hitter is now Perth’s premier overseas signing after Englishman Laurie Evans was snapped up by the Renegades.

The Scorchers went on to draft a pair of English exports in Matthew Hurst and Keaton Jennings. The former is a keeper who can bolster the middle order, while the latter offers stability as opener alongside Allen. Captain Ashton Turner will also be like a new signing in the middle order after his knee injury.

Speaking of, former injury replacement player Sam Fanning has been signed up on a full contract. The left-handed batter represents one of many key pieces the Scorchers have locked away both for now and the future. Young quick Mahli Beardman is another, having already made his List A debut for WA.

Elsewhere, 25-year-old allrounder Matthew Spoors provides further squad depth. The Canada international, who bowls leg-spin and bats in the middle order, filled up Perth’s final list spot for 2024/25. He earned the call-up after being named WA Premier Cricket’s best and fairest player last year.

INTERNATIONAL REPS

Western Australia pulled a swift one in having Josh Inglis depart the Australian Test squad to participate in the current Sheffield Shield round. The gloveman is part of the National setup alongside beloved allrounder Mitch Marsh, whose soreness has him in doubt to play both of the second and third Tests.

POTENTIAL XI

Excluding Australian Test players

1. Finn Allen
2. Keaton Jennings
3. Aaron Hardie
4. Sam Whiteman
5. Ashton Turner
6. Cooper Connolly
7. Ashton Agar
8. Jhye Richardson
9. Andrew Tye
10. Jason Behrendorff
11. Lance Morris

FIXTURES

vs. Melbourne Stars
December 15 @ Perth Stadium

vs. Hobart Hurricanes
December 21 @ Bellerive Oval

vs. Melbourne Renegades
December 23 @ Marvel Stadium

vs. Brisbane Heat
December 26 @ Perth Stadium

vs. Adelaide Strikers
December 31 @ Adelaide Oval

vs. Sydney Thunder
January 3 @ Perth Stadium

vs. Melbourne Renegades
January 7 @ Perth Stadium

vs. Sydney Sixers
January 11 @ SCG

vs. Sydney Thunder
January 13 @ ENGIE Stadium

vs. Adelaide Strikers
January 18 @ Perth Stadium

PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY

Perth Stadium is set to play host to some of the most highly anticipated matches of BBL|14, starting with the season-opener on December 15 with the Melbourne Stars coming to town. Other marquee fixtures include a Boxing Day clash with reigning champions Brisbane Heat, and New Year’s Eve battle with Adelaide Strikers – who beat the Scorchers in last season’s Knockout bout. Elsewhere, Perth has a unique double-header in Sydney, facing the Sixers and Thunder consecutively on January 11 and 13.

SEASON PREDICTION

Ladder range: 1-4

Perth is just about always in the hunt for the title having maintained a stable and utterly brilliant core of mainstays. Evans is a big loss but the Scorchers have recruited shrewdly and gotten on top of contracting both star players and emerging prospects. They’ll challenge for a record sixth crown with unmatched squad depth and one of the most intimidating home atmospheres.