BBL: Perth Scorchers sign Faf du Plessis for first half
What's the story
Defending champions Perth Scorchers have signed Faf du Plessis for the first half of the upcoming Big Bash League edition. He has replaced batter Laurie Evans after the latter tested positive for a dope test earlier this month. As a result, Evans' deal with the Scorchers got terminated. Notably, the Scorchers did not pick Du Plessis in the original draft as a platinum player.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Du Plessis, one of SA's greatest batters across formats, has played just one BBL match (for Melbourne Renegades 2012). Over the last 10 years, du Plessis has been among the run-scorers in T20 cricket. He will return to Australia's premier T20 league after having served IPL's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a mainstay batter. He is presently the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Availability
What about his availability?
Du Plessis will only be available for the first seven matches for the Scorchers. He will then return home to take part in the inaugural SA20 league. The former South African skipper will lead Johannesburg Super Kings in the tournament, starting next year. In August, Du Plessis was announced as one of the franchise's five direct signings (for $375,000).
Stats
Du Plessis has over 8,000 T20 runs
In a career spanning over a decade, du Plessis has racked up 8,074 runs from 311 T20s at an average of 31.05. He has a strike rate of 130.85 in the format. The tally includes as many as 3,403 runs in the IPL. He has slammed 25 of his 50 T20 fifties in the cash-rich league. Du Plessis also has four T20 tons.
Squad
A look at Perth Scorchers' squad
A look at Perth Scorchers' squad: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Faf du Plessis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Peter Hatzoglou, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Tymal Mills, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Phil Salt, Ashton Turner (captain), Andrew Tye. England's Phil Salt and Tymal Mills are the other overseas signings by Scorchers besides du Plessis.
Deal
Why did Scorchers terminate Evans' deal?
Du Plessis has replaced Laurie Evans, whose BBL deal was terminated by the Scorchers on Tuesday. The latter returned a positive result during an anti-doping test. However, as per ESPNcricinfo, he denied taking a prohibited substance during the 2022 Hundred edition. Evans slammed a match-winning 76* (41) for Perth Scorchers in the 2021/22 Big Bash final against Sydney Sixers.