Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers will fire up Optus Stadium for Members and fans for the first time in 374 days when they launch their KFC Big Bash League title defence against Sydney Sixers on Saturday 17 December.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw Perth spend the entirety of last year’s MBBL campaign on the road, barring the first home game of the season versus Brisbane Heat on 8 December.
Cricket Australia, however, confirmed the return of a typical pre-pandemic schedule in its MBBL fixture release this afternoon.
Scorchers fans will have at least seven chances to see the MBBL|11 champions in action on home turf, starting with the Grand Final re-match. This Saturday twilight contest – themed ‘Home of the Champions’ – will celebrate Perth’s brilliant triumph in 2021-22.
A blockbuster of equal measure is slated to follow on the evening of Boxing Day when Perth and Adelaide Strikers lock horns at Optus Stadium in front of a bumper crowd.
They’ll return to the same venue three days later for an Indigenous Round contest with Melbourne Stars, before their inaugural Pride game in Perth against Sydney Thunder on Wednesday 4 January.
Scorchers action in Perth continues over the summer holidays with a Retro Match against Brisbane Heat on Saturday 7 January; a community and club appreciation match against the Hobart Hurricanes (Wednesday 18 January); and a head-to-head clash between the Marsh brothers when Perth play Melbourne Renegades on Sunday 22 January.
On the road, Perth will spend time in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Launceston.
Reflecting on the schedule, Perth Scorchers General Manager Justin Michael said:
“We’re thrilled to host an exciting fixture for our passionate Members, fans and partners, who have shown incredible loyalty the last few years despite seeing limited MBBL cricket in WA.
“A Grand Final rematch against Sydney Sixers under lights at Optus Stadium is the perfect way to kick off our title defence, and it’s our first game there in over a year. The fact it’s a Saturday night during school holidays means we should have an excellent crowd to celebrate our MBBL|11 championship with.
“It was also incredibly important for us to retain the Boxing Day fixture, which has traditionally been one of the highlights of the season. The festive atmosphere of that match is sensational.”
Perth Scorchers Head Coach Adam Voges said:
“The boost we’ll receive from playing in front of our Members and fans again will be enormous. We have the most passionate supporter base in Australia, and the noise they make certainly provides the team with a real lift.
“Starting the season under lights at Optus Stadium against the Sixers is an exciting opportunity, particularly given the rivalry our two clubs have developed over the years.
“We’re also thrilled to have that game on Boxing Day. The contest itself brings a unique atmosphere and draws a strong crowd, and it allows most of our players and coaches to refresh over the Christmas period with their families.
“All in all, we’re driven to replicate last year’s success and share the journey with our supporters.”
The Finals series will begin on Friday 27 January, with the Final to be held on Saturday 4 February.
