Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
The stunning contributions of Perth Scorchers stars Ashton Agar and Sophie Devine were recognised during last night’s virtual WA Cricket Awards ceremony.
Agar was named Perth’s Simon Katich Medallist after playing a starring role with the ball (18 wickets at 21.88), the bat (133 runs at 22.16, strike rate 149.43) and in the field throughout the Scorchers’ title-winning KFC Big Bash League campaign.
The 28-year-old also showcased excellent leadership while mentoring Perth’s younger players, most notably livewire wrist spinner Peter Hatzoglou.
Agar said he was especially pleased to win the Simon Katich Medal given the challenges the team faced while based on the Eastern Seaboard.
“It’s such an honour to win this award this year and I’m so proud of what this group was able to achieve under the circumstances,” Agar said.
“We looked after each other incredibly well and we treated each other like family the whole time.
“I’d like to thank WA Cricket, Christina Matthews and Kade Harvey for making sure we had everything we needed while we were away.
“I’d like to thank our staff back home and on the road with us, you all sacrificed so much and did whatever it took to make sure we were extremely well-prepared.
“I’d like to thank my teammates and your families, thank you for sacrificing everything that you did and I love playing for you all so much.
“Finally, I’d love to thank my wife Mads. You have to put up with me being on the road for such a long time and you’re always such a constant rock of support and love. Thank you everyone and love you all.”
Devine, meanwhile, will forever hold the honour of being the first player to captain Perth to a Weber Women’s Big Bash League championship.
The New Zealand international proved a calming presence and tactically astute, working superbly in tandem with Head Coach Shelley Nitschke.
Leadership aside, Devine was comfortably among the competition’s most destructive players, hammering 442 runs at 34 (one century, two half-centuries) to go with 10 wickets at 19.6.
Two of Devine’s more memorable contributions resulted in Perth winning Super Overs against Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat.
Devine revealed she was “humbled” to receive recognition in such a significant year for the club.
“I want to say a huge thank you for receiving this award. It’s very humbling. I think when you play a team sport and win an individual accolade like this it certainly makes you reflect and I’m very proud to lead this incredible Scorchers team.
“There are a lot of people that have gone into our success including our coach Shelley, the players, all the staff behind the scenes, the ground staff and sponsors.
“We really felt your support this year and I want to say thank you for helping us bring home the title and we’re certainly looking forward to doing it again next season.”
