Perth Scorchers eye Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel for 2016-17 Big Bash League
Justin Langer, the coach of the Perth Scorchers, has opened up on the possibility of snapping up Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel for the 2016-17 Big Bash season. Speaking to cricket.com.au, the 45-year old admitted the difficulty in procuring the services of top international cricketers amidst an already packed schedule.
Langer revealed, “(The Scorchers) would definitely be interested in signing Dale Steyn or Morne Morkel. But that’s one of the toughest things about the BBL, trying to find overseas players because great players like that are playing international cricket. So you either have them for none of the time or some of it.”
He added, “They’d have to work it out with their governing board. We asked David Miller but he’s got a verbal agreement with the other guys. Not sure how it’s going to work out. These things evolve but it’s not as simple as it sounds. Imagine having Dale Steyn here. Who wouldn’t (want him)?”
The England duo of David Willey and Michael Carberry turned out for Scorchers during the previous edition. However, both of them have not been re-signed, leaving two spots to fill for the most successful side in Australia’s franchise-based competition.
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South Africa will be hosting Sri Lanka from December 26 to February 10 for a lengthy series comprising of three Tests, three T20Is and five ODIs. As a consequence, the availability of Steyn and Morkel remains increasingly doubtful which could make Langer look for other options.
The former Australian opener believed, “Carlos would be brilliant in the BBL, he’s like a giant, he whacks them, he bowls, he’s a gun athlete, he fields. But to get him there he’s got to sign off playing for the Windies. I wouldn’t do that.”
Citing the controversies surrounding several senior West Indies players, Langer quipped, “Guys like them, Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder, if they are to play BBL they have to renege on playing for their countries. It’s courageous for people to do that. There’s lots of talk and lots of speculation. But, in reality, not a lot give up international cricket to come and play BBL.”
After evaluating all possible scenarios, he hoped that David Willey could still find a way to represent the Scorchers for four or five matches despite having national commitments.