Scorchers vow to show some substance
New Perth Scorchers captain Simon Katich says the fallout from the squad’s boozy Champions League campaign will spur the team on to greater heights during the Twenty20 Big Bash League season.
The Scorchers hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in October after a team dinner to celebrate Mitch Marsh’s 21st birthday in South Africa turned into an alcohol-fuelled big night out.
Perth crashed out of the group stage after managing just one win, with captain Marcus North and coach Lachlan Stevens standing down from their roles shortly after the tournament.
Former Test great Justin Langer has since been appointed coach while Katich, who was the first to express his displeasure at the Scorchers’ misbehaviour in South Africa, has been named captain.
Katich said the team were desperate to make amends for their antics in South Africa, starting with Sunday’s match against the Adelaide Strikers at the WACA Ground.
“Hopefully, the guys have learnt from the mistakes we made as a group in South Africa,” Katich said on Wednesday.
“We have to earn some respect back.
“A lot is expected, and I guess the rules have been laid out now for everyone to know and abide by.
“That will hopefully spur us on for a good season.
“Sometimes those bad times, you learn a lot from it. As a group, there’s been a lot of people taking shots at the team - that’s warranted.
“Our performances weren’t great in South Africa. We let ourselves down. We get a chance now to atone for that.”
Star allrounder Mitch Marsh (hamstring) and ace paceman Pat Cummins (back) will miss the tournament for the Scorchers through injury.
