Joel Paris is targeting his first full Big Bash League campaign this summer as he aims to have a big impact in orange.
Paris recently made a successful return from a hamstring injury and then played a key role in WA’s thrilling Sheffield Shield win over South Australia at the WACA Ground.
But the left-arm swing bowler was denied a chance to carry his momentum into the four-day match against Victoria at the MCG after the wicket was deemed unsafe for play.
Paris now turns his attention to the BBL as he continues to trial a shorter run up he hopes will help prevent further injuries.
“It’s obviously still early stages and I’ve only played two or three games with it but each game that I have I’ve felt a lot more confident with it,” Paris told emageogroup.com “There’s plenty of merit with it as well and hopefully with the changes that I’ve made I’ll be able to perform much more consistently with this new run up.
“It’s probably about seven or eight metres shorter. If you calculate that up over a Shield game or a whole Big Bash campaign, there is a fair bit of metreage that I’m not having to cover.
“I’m really enjoying my cricket at the moment. When you spend a certain amount of time out of the game, all you want to do is get back and compete and enjoy it. That’s the really important part for me and my game, is to just realise that it’s a brilliant opportunity to be doing what I’m doing. I guess you just kind of make sure you step out there you really enjoy it and make the most of it. Going in with that mindset has really helped my performance and I’ve just been able to stay really relaxed and really clear in what I’ve wanted to do.”
Paris played just four matches in BBL07, with seven in BBL05 his biggest run of games in the orange.
Injuries to key bowlers Jason Behrendorff (back) and Andrew Tye (elbow) have opened the door for what shapes as a big tournament for Paris.
“The last probably year, year and a half, I probably haven’t been able to play as much Big Bash as what I would have liked,” the 27-year-old said.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back out there. With a really different squad make up this year it’s going to be exciting but also very challenging
“With Jason and Andrew out, there’s plenty of opportunity and I’m not sure exactly what role I’ll be looking to play, but obviously being a left hander and swinging the ball being one of my strengths, I’m sure bowling right at the start will be a huge impact for me and then whatever role I need to play in the middle or at the end, I’m really looking forward to doing.”
The Scorchers played a practice match on Thursday and are set for another hit-out tomorrow before they fly to Adelaide on Sunday for a practice match against the Strikers on Monday.
Paris is hoping to be in the squad that travels to Adelaide and then onto Sydney for the season opener against the Sixers on Wednesday.