Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers have added firepower to their batting ahead of the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season, signing dynamic Englishman and title-winning Scorcher Stephen Eskinazi.
The dashing right-hander – who went to school in Perth before moving to the United Kingdom – is the Scorchers’ third international signing, joining compatriots Zak Crawley and Laurie Evans in orange.
Eskinazi was an important cog in Perth’s triumphant BBL|12 campaign, playing the last nine games after internationals Faf du Plessis and Adam Lyth departed.
He scored quickly atop the order and adapted well to conditions all around the country, posting impressive half-centuries against Sydney Sixers (SCG) and Melbourne Renegades (Optus Stadium).
Representing Welsh Fire in The Hundred, Eskinazi finished as his team’s leading run-scorer with 208 runs at 29.71 (strike rate 155.22).
The 29-year-old also topped the charts for Middlesex in the 2023 Vitality Blast, tallying 462 runs at 35.53 (strike rate 148.55) as captain.
After securing Eskinazi for the whole MBBL season, the Scorchers have one local list spot to fill.
Upon re-signing with the Scorchers, Eskinazi said:
“I’m buzzing to get back to the Scorchers and push for another title.
“Last year was a special experience, playing alongside a lot of the guys I grew up with in WA.
“To finish the way we did, in front of a crowd that loud and passionate, was incredible.
“We’ve got an awesome squad, a great supporter base, and we’re hungry, so I’m excited to be on board and keen to get stuck in.”
Perth Scorchers General Manager High Performance Cricket and Elite Teams, Kade Harvey said:
“As we saw last year and during the English summer, Steve is an inventive player with all the shots.
“He loves to score quickly at the top of the order and has a proven record of playing well in a variety of conditions.
“On top of that, Steve’s an excellent cultural fit. We were impressed by the way he applied himself in BBL|12, buying into our values immediately.
“He’s a leader at Middlesex and a popular teammate, so we’re excited to have him back for another MBBL season.”
Perth Scorchers list for BBL|13
Ashton Agar
Jason Behrendorff
Cooper Connolly
Zak Crawley (International – England)
Stephen Eskinazi (International – England)
Laurie Evans (International – England)
Aaron Hardie
Nick Hobson
Josh Inglis (vice-captain)
Matt Kelly
Mitch Marsh
Hamish McKenzie
Lance Morris
Jhye Richardson
Sam Whiteman
Ashton Turner (captain)
Andrew Tye
