Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers speedster Jhye Richardson and batting superstar Beth Mooney have been named the Perth Scorchers top performers for 2020-21, after being awarded the Simon Katich Medal and the WBBL Player of the Year Award respectively at the Laurie Sawle Medal awards night.Quick Richardson proved why he is one of Australia’s brightest fast bowling prospects with one of the most dominant Big Bash League seasons in the competition’s 10-year history.
The WA product claimed a League-best 29 wickets, five ahead of his nearest rival, and was unanimously selected by the coaches in the BBL|10 Team of the Tournament.
A clean ball striker, Richardson also impressed with some quick runs at the tail end of several Scorchers innings and racked up a tidy 96 runs for the season.
It is the second consecutive Simon Katich Medal for the BBL|10 Golden Arm winner and caps a remarkable return to playing following an off-season shoulder reconstruction.
“It’s an honour to win my second Simon Katich Medal for a club I love playing for,” Richardson said.
“To make a BBL Final was an incredible effort this season and we’re excited for what we can achieve together next year.
“Playing at Optus Stadium was my personal season highlight, the support we received during our Perth matches was massive and had such a positive impact on our campaign.”
Meanwhile, boom recruit Mooney proved unstoppable with the blade in a stellar 2020 Women’s Big Bash League tournament and finished the competition as leading run-scorer with 551 runs at an average of 55.10.
The wicketkeeper notched four half-centuries during the campaign and became the first player in WBBL history to surpass 3,000 runs.
The stylish left-hander formed a devastating opening-combination with skipper Sophie Devine, and was rewarded with selection in the WBBL Team of the Tournament.
“I’m proud and humbled to be named the Perth Scorchers WBBL Player of the Year,” Mooney said.
“It’s been a dream come true playing for Perth, I felt part of the family as soon as I arrived and am grateful for the work of everyone on and off the field to make the season happen.”
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.
