Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers batter Ashton Turner has been appointed as the team’s captain for BBL11.Turner, then vice-captain, led Perth throughout BBL10 while an injury cloud lingered over skipper Mitch Marsh.
Under the 28-year-old’s guidance, Perth won eight of their last 10 home-and-away games to finish the regular season in second, before reaching the final against Sydney Sixers.
Calm by nature with refined tactical nous, Turner has also captained Western Australia in Sheffield Shield and One-Day Domestic cricket.
Scorchers head coach Adam Voges described Turner’s promotion to the full-time leadership post as a “natural progression”.
“Ashton did a great job last year under unusual circumstances, taking over from Mitch at the start of the season,” Voges said.
“Tactically, he’s very good at what he does, and it was a big reason for us getting as far as we did in the competition.
“It was a natural progression for Ash to now be officially be named captain, and it gives him the opportunity to take real ownership of the team. I’m really looking forward to seeing him do that this year.”
Voges is confident Turner can balance the responsibility of captaincy with the challenging role of closing out the innings as Perth’s ‘finisher’.
“Some guys thrive with leadership roles and I think he’s one of those,” Voges said.
“His performances seem to go up a little bit when he’s got the C next to his name.
“He did a terrific job finishing off innings, particularly during the power surge, last year. He made that his own, and we’re hoping he can do something similar again this year.”
Turner voiced pride in following the lead of several WA cricketing greats.
“Reflecting on the history of Perth Scorchers, we’ve had some amazing leaders.
Thinking back to Simon Katich, Adam Voges, Mitch Marsh more recently; they’re guys who have led exceptionally well,” Turner said.
“To fill those boots will be very difficult but I think one of the great strengths of our group is we have some really senior players with lots of experience.
“I know I’ll have amazing support around me, particularly with Mitch in the squad and with international cricketers with loads of experience.”
The powerful right-hander sits third on Perth’s all-time BBL run-scoring list with 1,280 runs and the impressive strike rate of 139.58.
Mitch Marsh (1,557 runs) and Shaun Marsh (1,435) are the only Scorchers players with more prolific records.
Perth will launch their BBL campaign against Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium next Wednesday, with the first ball to be bowled at 6:35pmWST.
To catch the Scorchers in action, purchase your tickets via Ticketmaster.
The match will also be broadcast live on Channel7, Fox Cricket, and Kayo.
Name of Author: Perth Scorchers
The Perth Scorchers are an Australian men’s Twenty20 cricket team competing in the Big Bash League. Based in Perth, Western Australia, they wear an orange uniform and play their home games at Perth Stadium.
