Scorchers Strengthen Spin Arsenal with Agar and Connolly Return!

In the last BBL game at Optus Stadium, the Adelaide Strikers used a spin-heavy attack to surprise the Perth Scorchers. It was a low-scoring knockout final back in January, and the Scorchers’ hopes of winning three titles in a row were crushed.

This surprising strategy showed that spin bowling can work really well, even on a pitch known for being fast and bouncy, just like the nearby WACA ground.

The Scorchers, the most successful team in BBL history, will be eager to make a strong comeback. However, their spin-bowling options might be a challenge for them.

Ashton Agar and Cooper Connolly, both left-arm spinners, are racing to be ready for Sunday’s first match of the season against the Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium. Their captain, Ashton Turner, who can bowl off-spin, is also dealing with sore ribs after playing for Fremantle recently. Despite these injuries, all three players have been included in the Scorchers’ 14-player squad.

Hamish McKenzie, a left-arm wrist spinner, left the Scorchers in the off-season to join the Stars on a two-year deal. He struggled to get regular game time with the Scorchers because Agar was usually their main spinner.

Agar has been a key player for the Scorchers for years. He is trusted to stop runs in the middle overs, even though he was a bit expensive last season. However, he hasn’t played since hurting his shoulder during a Sheffield Shield match last month.

There was a lot of buzz about Connolly this season. Many compare his all-round skills to Travis Head. But Connolly has been out for a month after fracturing his hand when he was hit by a fast ball from Pakistan’s Mohammad Hasnain during the third ODI at Optus Stadium.

Connolly’s first innings in international cricket ended earlier than expected, but he might still play against the Stars. On Thursday, he joined the Scorchers’ practice match at the WACA, showing he could be ready.

“I’m doing my best to be ready for Sunday, but the coaches will decide if I’m good to go,” Connolly told media. “The injury was frustrating and came at a bad time, but it’s just a small bump in the road. I’m staying positive.”

Connolly is still improving his left-arm orthodox bowling but already has a three-wicket haul from his 15 BBL games. At 21, he may take on more responsibility if Ashton Agar is unavailable. With his fearless batting style, he can turn games around.

Last season, Connolly struggled as an opener, but batting at No. 6 suits him better. In the BBL12 final, he shined in this role, helping the Scorchers win the title and becoming a fan favorite.
“I try to be versatile and can bat anywhere from one to seven,” Connolly said. “But for now, I see myself at six. I want to settle in that spot and finish innings well.”

The Scorchers have limited spin-bowling options this season. At some point, they may turn to Matthew Spoors, a leg-spinning allrounder. Spoors, a close friend of Tim David, revived his career through Associate cricket. Though he won’t play against the Stars, his journey back to the professional game is inspiring.

Spoors, now 25, was once a promising top-order batter. He even earned a Western Australia contract while in high school. However, after three years on the list, he didn’t play a senior game and was dropped in 2020.
“I didn’t know my game back then and kept changing my technique,” Spoors told media. “I listened to too many opinions and couldn’t say no to advice.”

After his cricket career stalled, Spoors tried Australian Rules Football. But the physical nature of the game was tough for his smaller frame.

He decided to return to cricket, focusing on T20 leagues. To succeed, he needed to reinvent himself. Known for bowling a quick leg break, Spoors worked on mastering leg spin, using Rashid Khan as his inspiration.

“I could never slow it down—that’s just not my style,” Spoors said about his leg-spin bowling. “I’ve always been able to bowl a wrong’un and a leggie, and doing it fast suits T20 cricket. So I’ve worked on using that to my advantage.”

He’s also been practicing his power-hitting, hoping to become a strong finisher for his team.
Inspired by Tim David, who went from being dropped in WA cricket to becoming a sought-after T20 player through playing for Singapore, Spoors took his own unique path. Holding a Canadian passport through his mom, he played for Canada in Associate cricket. On his T20I debut, he smashed 108 not out from 66 balls against the Philippines in Oman. Over 14 months, he played 10 T20Is and five ODIs for Canada.

“Playing Associate cricket boosted my confidence,” Spoors said. “I played on so many different pitches and in different conditions. It taught me a lot and made me a better player. Plus, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures opened my mind.”
He carried that confidence into Perth’s local cricket competition last season. His strong performances earned him the Olly Cooley Medal, which he shared with Renegades batter Jono Wells as the best player in WA Premier Cricket.

In August, Spoors stood out in Darwin’s Top End T20 Series, which helped him land a contract with the Perth Scorchers. He made his List A debut for WA against Victoria at the MCG last month. Though rain affected the game, and he only scored 4 runs from 12 balls without getting a chance to bowl, bigger opportunities could be coming soon.

Spoors has a strong supporter in his Scorchers teammate, Connolly, who also plays with him in local cricket at Scarborough.
“We’re really close, and we talk a lot about the game and what it’s like being a spin all-rounder,” Connolly said. “I believe he’ll be ready when his chance comes.”