Sam Whiteman says the Perth Scorchers are intent on making a strong start to the Big Bash League as they finalise preparations for their season opener.
Joel Paris and Whiteman were today named in the Scorchers’ 13-man squad for their clash with the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Wednesday.
Paris took two wickets in a practice match against the Adelaide Strikers in Adelaide yesterday before the squad flew on to Sydney.
And the new-look squad are targeting the opening games after making a poor start in a disappointing last season.
“There is a bit of excitement in the group,” Whiteman told SportFM. “Big Bash is always a good time of year. I think everyone is sick of training now and ready to play.
“New faces is exciting. It’s always a shame when you see guys who have played a lot of cricket for the Scorchers leave. But they all have their reasons and it creates opportunities for everyone else
“I think after a disappointing year last year we’re all excited. The key is to get off to a good start. I think last year we were 0-3. So I think the first few games are pretty key, get a couple of wins and I think everyone can relax a bit and just enjoy the cricket.
“We haven’t really looked at other teams yet, we’ve just focused on ourselves. It’s going to be who can win the close games. The first two or three games are pretty crucial.”
Whiteman also said Perth would be keen to establish a fortress at Optus Stadium after shifting there from the WACA Ground last summer.
“Winning at home is pretty crucial,” he said. “We had a really good record at the WACA. There’s no reason why we can’t transfer that over to Optus. It was really frustrating last year.
“If we want to go deep in competition we need to be able win a lot of games at home. It’s a pretty packed schedule. I think the key is starting well.”
Whiteman said competition for spots was fierce, with he and Josh Inglis vying to keep and open the batting.
“I guess Ingo, myself and Bangas (Cameron Bancroft) can all keep so it’s all a bit up in the air at the moment,” he said. “If I do get the opportunity it will probably be at the top. It will probably be out of myself and Josh to take the gloves and open the batting but we’ll wait and see. If I don’t get a crack straight away , it’s a long tournament and there will be some opportunities along the way.”
Scorchers Squad:
Mitch Marsh ©
Ashton Agar
Fawad Ahmed
Cam Bancroft
Cam Green
Josh Inglis
Chris Jordan
Matt Kelly
Liam Livingstone
Joel Paris
Jhye Richardson
Ashton Turner
Sam Whiteman