Joel Paris Rejoins Perth Scorchers for BBL 15 After Outstanding Season with Stars
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Synopsis
The Perth Scorchers have re-signed Joel Paris for BBL Season 15 after a successful stint with the Melbourne Stars. His return comes as the team prepares for significant changes, filling the gap left by Jason Behrendorff's departure.
Key Takeaways
- Joel Paris returns to the Perth Scorchers after two seasons with the Melbourne Stars.
- He had a standout season in BBL 14 with an average of 16.11 and an economy rate of 6.59.
- The Scorchers are undergoing a transition after missing the finals for the first time in five seasons.
- Kade Harvey emphasized the need for a new-ball specialist in the squad.
- Young talents are secured for the upcoming season, ensuring a strong roster.
Perth, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Perth Scorchers have secured West Australian left-arm seamer Joel Paris on a one-year contract for Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15. Paris, who was available during the Big Bash League's Player Movement Window, makes his return to his original team after two years with the Melbourne Stars.
This transition comes as veteran bowler Jason Behrendorff departs after ten years with the franchise, having signed a three-year agreement with the Melbourne Renegades. Although Paris may not have matched Behrendorff's level of achievements, the 32-year-old bowler offers a comparable skill set, recognized for his ability to swing the new ball and effectively adjust his pace.
Coming off his most successful BBL season in BBL 14, Paris played a pivotal role in the Melbourne Stars' late-season revival. In six matches, he claimed nine wickets with an impressive average of 16.11 and an outstanding economy rate of 6.59. His best performance occurred during the Melbourne derby against the Renegades, where he achieved career-best T20 figures of 3-13.
Despite his significant contributions, Paris was excluded from the Stars' Knockout final against Sydney Thunder, as the team opted for an additional spinner. Following the conclusion of his two-year term with the Stars, he became eligible for a transfer, prompting Perth to swiftly secure his services.
With Behrendorff's exit and Andrew Tye out of contract, the five-time BBL champions are gearing up for a transition phase after missing the finals for the first time in five seasons. Scorchers' high-performance manager Kade Harvey highlighted the necessity of adding another new-ball specialist to the roster.
"We recognized the need for another new-ball bowler and viewed this as an excellent opportunity to bring Joel back to Perth," Scorchers high-performance manager Kade Harvey stated. "Joel had a commendable BBL 14 season for the Stars, bowling many of his overs during the Powerplay. We also appreciate having a left-arm pace bowler in the lineup.
"He is an exceptional leader and has significantly contributed to WA over the years, so we’re eager to have him throughout the summer."
Paris initially debuted in T20 for the Scorchers during the 2013 Champions League, later participating in 17 matches for the franchise between BBL|05 and BBL 10. He subsequently joined the Hobart Hurricanes for BBL 11, spending two seasons before moving to the Melbourne Stars, where he took 15 wickets in 15 games during the last two tournaments.
Apart from the BBL, Paris has been crucial for Western Australia in domestic cricket, playing a vital role in WA's Sheffield Shield three-peat and last summer’s One-Day Cup victory.
With Paris' return, the Scorchers are implementing strategic moves to solidify their core team for BBL 15. While Tye’s future remains ambiguous, there is considerable speculation that Mitch Marsh, Australia’s T20 captain, will continue with the Scorchers, despite interest from both Melbourne teams.
Meanwhile, emerging talents like Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie are already committed to long-term contracts, and teenage fast bowler Mahli Beardman is confirmed for BBL 15 following an impressive debut season.
