Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers have secured star England pace bowler Tymal Mills as an international signing for the upcoming 2021-22 KFC Big Bash League season.Tymal Mills will be available to speak to media at 3pm (WST) today, Thursday 2 December.
The renowned 29-year-old left-armer will fill the void in Perth’s squad left by fellow capped Englishman Brydon Carse, who was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a serious knee injury last month.
Scorchers head coach Adam Voges is thrilled to have the noteworthy experience and versatility of Mills at his disposal for BBL|11.
“We’re really excited about getting Tymal in after Brydon’s unfortunate injury,” Voges said.
“To be able to get someone of the calibre of Tymal – we saw the impact he had for England over in the World Cup and his last 12-24 months have been outstanding.
“He’s a world-class performer, and he’ll obviously be really important for us at the back end of the innings. In the death overs, I can see him and AJ Tye being a really good combination.”
Mills proved an important component of England’s recent Twenty20 World Cup campaign in the United Arab Emirates, snaring seven wickets at 15.42 (strike rate 11.57) from five games.
Capable of clocking speeds in excess of 150km/h and armed with a raft of variations, Mills was particularly valuable at the death but has the capacity to bowl with the new ball if required.
A thigh strain, however, brought his World Cup to a premature end shortly before the semifinals.
Mills is excited to be part of Perth’s talented squad and play in what he described as one of the world’s “big competitions”.
“When they got in touch, I was extremely keen,” Mills said.
“They’re a great franchise with some great players.
“It’s exciting to get the opportunity to play in big competitions, and when you join a new franchise, it’s a great chance to meet new people and get in with a great group of guys.”
Mills’ game has evolved significantly since his last Australian stint with Hobart Hurricanes in BBL07, which followed a two-game cameo with Brisbane Heat during BBL06.
Now among the world’s best short-form bowlers, Mills is eager to showcase his class while wearing orange this summer.
“To be honest, righting some wrongs,” Mills responded, when asked what he was most looking forward to about BBL11.
“I had a season with Hobart a few years ago when, personally, I didn’t bowl as well as I know I could have.
“I’m looking forward to showing a better side of my cricket and getting amongst the lads. It’s always good to join in with a new group, make some new mates for the next couple of months, and be successful. We all play cricket to win tournaments.
“I can’t wait to get over and get started.”
The acquisition of Mills is the final piece in Perth Scorchers’ squad, with hard-hitting Surrey batter Laurie Evans and decorated New Zealand opener Colin Munro confirmed as Perth’s other international signings.
Mills arrives in Australia from the UAE on Monday and will link up with the rest of the team in Sydney after serving his quarantine period.
Talented left-hander Nick Hobson, young all-rounder Cooper Connolly, and towering quick David Moody – who has been confirmed as Test squad member Jhye Richardson’s replacement – round out Perth’s squad.
Perth Scorchers will open their BBL11 campaign against Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium on Wednesday, with the first ball to be bowled at 6.35pmWST.
Purchase your tickets via Ticketmaster to see the Scorchers in action.
For those that can’t make it to the ground, the game will be broadcast live on Channel7, Fox Cricket, and Kayo.
Perth Scorchers BBL|11 Squad:
Ashton Agar
Cameron Bancroft
Jason Behrendorff
Cooper Connolly
Laurie Evans
Aaron Hardie
Peter Hatzoglou
Nick Hobson
Josh Inglis
Matthew Kelly
Mitchell Marsh
Tymal Mills
David Moody
Lance Morris
Colin Munro
Kurtis Patterson
Ashton Turner
Andrew Tye
