Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
New Zealand dynamo Finn Allen will call Optus Stadium home for at least the next two KFC Big Bash League seasons after signing with Perth Scorchers.
Allen becomes the Scorchers’ first BBL pre-signing under new rules that allow every franchise to secure one international before the Overseas Player Draft next month.
The 25-year-old is among the most destructive opening batters on the planet, renowned for attacking from ball one and sustaining his scoring rate.
This much was evident when Allen hammered 42 from 16 deliveries during the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the SCG, taking down the vaunted pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood on their home ground.
Earlier this year, Allen struck New Zealand’s highest individual T20I score and crushed the national record for the most sixes in a T20I innings, clearing the ropes 16 times during his 62-ball 137 against Pakistan.
In doing so, he became just the fifth Black Cap to strike multiple T20I hundreds after former Scorcher Colin Munro (three), Brendon McCullum (two), Martin Guptill (two) and Glenn Phillips (two).
His T20I strike rate of 158.69 is the highest of any New Zealand cricketer and seventh all-time among Test-playing nations. Factoring all professional T20 cricket, Allen’s strike rate climbs to 168.60 – a figure topped only by Jamaican superstar Andre Russell (minimum 1000 T20 runs).
A reliable outfielder with wicketkeeping experience, Allen is also capable of deputising for gloveman Josh Inglis if required.
The Auckland-born batter will embark on his first BBL season with experience from several renowned franchise tournaments including the Indian Premier League and The Hundred, as well as 69 limited overs games (22 ODIs, 47 T20Is) for New Zealand.
Allen is available for Perth Scorchers’ whole BBL|14 campaign.
Reflecting on joining Perth Scorchers, Allen said:
“I’m delighted to have signed for the Perth Scorchers for the upcoming BBL. To join such a successful franchise is a real honour and I can’t wait to head west and experience such a great comp.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing cricket in Aus and the opportunity to play for such a distinguished team is one I’m really looking forward to. It will be great to link up with my new team mates and back room staff very soon.”
Comments attributable to Perth Scorchers General Manager – High Performance Cricket and Elite Teams, Kade Harvey:
“Finn is the kind of player that can change a match in the space of a few overs, so we’re excited to have him on board for the next two seasons.
“He’s among the hardest hitters of a cricket ball in the world and has regularly proven himself against high quality opponents, whether playing for the Black Caps or in franchise cricket.
“He also fills a very specific need for as us that aggressive player at the top of the order who scores quickly throughout the innings. We think his attributes, including his ability as a back-up wicketkeeper, will balance the side nicely.
“I’m confident the Scorchers’ Members and fans will enjoy watching him, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Finn to Perth this summer.”
Perth Scorchers playing list for BBL|14:
Ashton Turner ©
Ashton Agar
Finn Allen (International – New Zealand)
Mahli Beardman
Jason Behrendorff
Cooper Connolly
Sam Fanning
Aaron Hardie
Nick Hobson
Josh Inglis
Matthew Kelly
Mitch Marsh
Lance Morris
Jhye Richardson
The Scorchers have two local and two international list spots to fill.
