Voges still confident of Scorchers success

By Josh Kempton

Western Australia men’s cricket team and Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges is happy with the way his players are developing amidst another strong season.

WA teams won all three state cricket titles last year and look to be in a good position to repeat the trick, pausing for the BBL season on top of the Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup ladders.

“The real belief in the group at the moment, it’s as high as it’s been, that we can win games from any position,” Voges told Sports Breakfast.

“All of our guys are going really well … the depth is strong, we’re going to need all of them, but it’s been really pleasing to see so far.

“As tough as it’s been not to have Shaun Marsh at the beginning of the season, it’s opened the door and provided some opportunities for a few of these young guys, who will no doubt be better players for the experiences that they’ve been able to have.”

The Scorchers have been dealing with a player availability crisis in recent weeks, signing South African superstar Faf du Plessis for the first half of the season to cover the suspended Laurie Evans, but losing Mitch Marsh and Phil Salt for the whole tournament due to injury.

“We’ll certainly replace Phil Salt and get another overseas player in … with the other domestic competitions around the world in the UAE and South Africa, availability of players is pretty slim at the moment, but we’re working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we can have someone,” Voges said.

“We’re really confident going in, obviously we’ve had some tough news over the past few weeks, but I still think we’ve got 80% of the squad that won the title last year and we’ve still got some real confidence in our group that we’re going to be able to perform really strongly.

“We’ve still got a really strong core of local domestic players, and I believe they’re the ones that help win these tournaments, so from that point of view, we still give ourselves every opportunity.”

WA cricket’s latest product to be called up for national duties is speedster Lance Morris, who is joining the Test squad in Adelaide on the back of an impressive Shield season, leading all comers with 27 wickets at an average of 18.40.

“The way he’s been able to come along and develop his skillset, he bowls with genuine pace but it’s probably where those balls are landing now and the way he’s going about his bowling has been the most impressive part,” Voges said.

“Getting the phone call from the selectors the other day, the boys were all up and about and really pleased for him to be able to get that opportunity.

“I don’t think he’ll look out of place if he does get the callup, he’s probably behind a couple if they do make some changes, but I don’t think it would be a bad selection at all to see him let go of a pink ball under lights.”

The BBL season kicks off on the 13th of December, with the Scorchers first game on the 17th against the Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium.

IMAGE: Cricket Australia.