In anticipation of the 2022–23 Big Bash League (BBL) season, veteran South African batter Faf du Plessis has signed a deal with Perth Scorchers as a substitute international player.
The Proteas were represented by du Plessis 262 times (69 Tests, 143 ODIs, 50 T20Is) and he led the team 115 times (36 Tests, 39 ODIs, 40 T20Is) during his international career, which lasted from 2011 to 2021. Du Plessis is a strong right-hander and will soon call Optus Stadium home.
He also has the most experience on Perth’s roster, having participated in 311 professional T20 matches and accruing 8,074 runs at a strike rate of 31.05. This includes four centuries and 50 half-centuries.
Du Plessis averaged 83.16 in Tests (499 runs from nine innings) and 52.60 in ODIs (526 runs from 12 innings) in Australia. According to Scorchers, he also had a 27 from 15 strike rate in his lone T20I there.
The 38-year-old has distinguished himself in a variety of situations, but he is most comfortable near the top of the order, where his timing and precise ball-striking stand out.
The South African du Plessis will take the place of the Englishman Laurie Evans for the first seven games of the BBL-12.
On December 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth will begin their title defense against the Sydney Sixers. “The prospect of joining with Perth Scorchers excites me much.
The fact that Perth has won four championships, which is astounding, is what I believe comes to mind first. It’s a fantastic brand to be a part of because every player that competes wants to win, “Du Plessis remarked.
“I want to come in and study as well. Finding out why other individuals and organizations are successful and taking notes from them is crucial, in my opinion.
I’m also eager to share the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences I’ve had, so maybe those two things will work well together.” From a distance, Optus appears to be the world’s fastest wicket. The bounce appeared to be extremely, very steep when watching the World Cup.
I’ve grown up playing on wickets that are similar to those in Australia and South Africa in that they have more pace and bounce than spin. This summer, I’m looking forward to playing in Perth.
