BBL 2022-23: Perth Scorchers signs FAF Du Plessis as Laurie Evans Replacement

Defending Champions Perth Scorchers have signed FAF Du Plessis as a replacement for overseas player Laurie Evans for the first part of the BBL 2022-23. Notably, Laurie’s contract with Scorchers was terminated earlier this month after he tested positive in a dope test.

Though Plessis was not selected in the original Players draft where he registered himself in the platinum category, he has been signed as the replacement for the initial part of the tournament. Scorchers expect him to be available for the first seven fixtures of the tournament before he returns back to South Africa to feature in CSA’s SA20 league.

Du Plessis who proudly bags 8074 T20I runs has featured in one BBL fixture back in 2012 for Melbourne Renegades. Since 2018 he has been regarded as the stalwart of the T20I format by amassing runs at an average of 35.45 & a strike rate of 137.47 registering four tons in that particular period.

FAF Du Plessis is excited to play for Scorchers in BBL 2022-23

Speaking about his signing with Perth Scorchers FAF Du Plessis said, “Perth Scorchers are four-time BBL title winners & it’s a matter of pride to play for them in the BBL 2022-23. Every player has the mindset to be with a team that wins competitions so it feels great to be a part of the Perth Scorchers franchise,” Plessis said in his statement.

He further said that he is keen to learn a lot from Scorchers & also wants to share his experiences & learnings with other players to help in the growth of the franchise.

Kade Harvey, Western Australia’s General Manager also heaped praise on Plessis by saying that his gleaming records in T20I format & franchisee Leagues depict his talent & caliber as a player. Harvey further said that he can play in all conditions & is flexible to bat at any position in the top six which makes him a reliable batter. He said that Scorchers are privileged to have Plessis in their squad.

Meanwhile along with Plessis, England’s Phil Salt & Tymal Mils are the other overseas signings of Perth Scorchers.

BBL 2022-23: Perth Scorchers squad

Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Faf du Plessis, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Hatzoglou,  Tymal Mills, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Phil Salt, Ashton Turner (captain), Andrew Tye