Scorchers lifted by Arafat arrival
The Perth Scorchers have received a late boost on the eve of their Twenty20 Champions League campaign after Pakistan paceman Yasir Arafat was finally cleared to join the squad.
Arafat was in danger of missing the start of the tournament due to visa issues, but the 32-year-old was eventually given the green light and arrived in India on Thursday night.
The three-Test paceman starred for the Scorchers during their Big Bash League title-winning campaign last summer, and his presence will be a key if the side is to have more success in India.
Perth kick off their Champions League campaign against the Durban-based Dolphins in Mohali on Saturday night, and coach Justin Langer was pleased to have his star paceman on board for the game.
“It was a huge morale boost for the team,” Langer said.
“Guys who can bowl at the death are like gold in any team.
“He adds great experience. And he can also bat. That’s a bonus for us as well.
“Just to have that experience and confidence is very important for any team.”
The Scorchers face a fight to make it past the group stage after recording just one win from their previous two visits to the Champions League.
But Langer is setting the bar high, saying he wants his team to aim for the title.
For that to happen, Perth will need star all-rounder Mitch Marsh to fire, while skipper Adam Voges, spinner Brad Hogg, opener Craig Simmons, left-arm paceman Jason Behrendorff, Arafat and Nathan Coulter-Nile loom as other key players.
