Published: Jul 08, 2016, 03:57 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 08, 2016, 04:22 PM (IST)
Perth Scorchers‘ coach Justin Langer has admitted interest in South African duo Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel for his side’s upcoming season in Big Bash League. Scorchers have two places in their side left to be filled after David Willey and Michael Carberry’s contract expired. The timing of BBL though is expected to clash alongside South Africa’s series against Sri Lanka. Scorchers won this competition back to back in 2013-14 and 2014-15. This season though, Scorchers will miss the services of Brad Hogg, who decided to leave after more than five years with the team. ALSO READ: Brad Hogg leaves Perth Scorchers; Justin Langer disappointed
Speaking about the prospect of signing Steyn and Morkel, cricket.com.au quoted Langer as saying, “[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.”
“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]?”
Langer also spoke about the chances of West Indian Carlos Brathwaite joining his team. “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.”
“You’ve seen controversy [around] Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo doing that, but not sure some of those players starting off international careers or still playing international cricket would like to. Of course we’d like to have them. 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.”
