BBL 2023-24: Marcus Harris Signed As Replacement By Perth Scorchers Ahead Of Playoffs

Reigning Big Bash League champions Perth Scorchers have announced the signing of Australian left-hand batter Marcus Harris 2 days before the Scorchers’ clash against 3rd placed Sydney Sixers in a match that could further intensify the battle for the top 2 in the BBL 2023/24 season. Only 1 point separates the two teams with Perth sitting number 2 with 13 points while the Sixers are number 3 with 12 points.

Marcus Harris will come in as a replacement for outgoing English batters Zak Crawley and Laurie Evans, 5 days before the playoffs phase begins. While Crawley is set to join his National team in Abu Dhabi in order to prepare for the 5-match Test series in India, Laurie Evans is set to join his International League T20 outfit Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

The inclusion of Marcus Harris will definitely bolster the Scorchers team which has won 6 and lost 2 matches in the Big Bash League this season. He has previously played for Melbourne Renegades last season and had a stint with Scorchers between 2014 and 2016, bringing valuable experience to the team. With 981 runs in T20s at an average of 20.43 and a strike rate of 121.71, Harris adds depth to Scorchers’ batting lineup.

Although Scorchers secured a finals spot with a victory over Brisbane Heat, they face a crucial match against Sydney Sixers on Tuesday to secure a place in the Qualifier. The Qualifier, scheduled against Heat, offers the crucial second chance to reach the final on January 24. Scorchers are eyeing the opportunity to make history by completing a hat-trick of BBL titles.

It’s worth noting that Harris is eligible to play in the finals, even if he doesn’t participate in the game against the Sixers. Unlike overseas signings, local replacement players like Marcus Harris do not need to make a regular-season appearance to be eligible for the finals.

Marcus Harris Has A Point To Prove After Test Snub By Australia

Marcus Harris was among those 3 batters who were being constantly backed by the media and cricket pundits to become the next full-time opener for the Aussies in Test cricket after David Warner retired from the format earlier this month with a 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket ground.

Other than Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw were in the race to become Warner’s possible replacement while Australia’s number 4 batter Steve Smith himself appealed to the management to let him open. Smith’s ask was considered by the Aussie management and now he will open with Usman Khawaja while Matt Renshaw was also picked ahead of Marcus Harris and Bancroft.

After the Test snub, Harris did not have a BBL deal in hand but now that he has it will be a great opportunity for him to prove a point. The 31-year-old has scored 10,343 runs in First class cricket with an average of almost 40 in 154 matches.