Perth braced wild weather yesterday, forcing the Scorchers-Sixers clash to be shortened to just 11 overs a side.

Despite the delay in play, the Scorchers won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision which set them up for a steady run chase to secure a five wicket win, kicking off their BBL15 campaign. 

Philippe got the Sixers off to a hot start knocking 28 off 18, also hitting one into the stumps at the bowler’s end which skimmed off Ashton Agar’s finger to run out Sydney skipper Moises Henriques.

Jack Edwards brought a second wind to the Sixers, hitting an impressive 46 off 21 balls, including six-fours and two-sixes and finishing the innings not out.

Marsh opened the innings for the Scorchers but was caught at first slip by BBL debutant Babar Azam for a duck.

Cooper Connolly did what he does best at the batting crease scoring 59 off 31, hitting an impressive five-sixes.

He was caught out with just nine needed off the remaining 10 balls, before Laurie Evans hit a six to tie the game with seven balls remaining. 

Scorchers Skipper Ashton Turner led Perth home, hitting a boundary to bring home a five wicket win.

Speaking to Sports Breakfast, Scorchers quick Brody Couch gave credit to the groundskeepers for bracing the wild weather and allowing play to get underway.

“It was the Wild West for a couple hours,” he said.

“As always the ground staff do an amazing job, there was a lot of rain that came down, and the covers looked like they were nearly gonna blow off at one point.

“I’m glad we got out there in the end and we could put on a bit of a show for the fans.”

In his first match for the Scorchers, Couch was able to take the wicket of BBL debutant Babar Azam, who hit just two runs off five balls.

“To be able to knock him over was really key for us,” he said

“He was probably one of my better wickets I’ve had, if not the best.”

Couch came over to WA from Victoria, playing three seasons at the Melbourne stars and one year in Victorian Premier Cricket before signing a contract with WA for the 2024-25 season.

“I was keen for a fresh start and it all sort of seemed like it could be a great option for me,” he said.

“It’s a long way from home but to be honest, but it’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Somewhat a BBL destination club, the Scorchers have proven to be a welcoming home for the fast bowler and are a credit to their success in the Big Bash League.

“I think it’s a really relaxed set up, not only at the WACA but in Perth in general,” he said.

“From the coaching staff down to the youngest player, they all back you in to get the job done, they really want every person in the organisation to get the best out of themselves.”

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