Mitchell Johnson: Perth Scorchers’ decision to let Laurie Evans go in favour of Finn Allen was the right call

Five-time champions and eight-time grand finalists out of 13 Big Bash League seasons is one seriously impressive record. Unquestionably, Perth Scorchers are the most successful team in the competition’s history. I believe the Scorchers have the players and the hunger to do it again this summer and there are plenty of practical reasons they will continue to show up. The squad is experienced and fairly stable, though the batting will have a fresh look to it with new imports Finn Allen, Keaton Jennings and Matty Hurst and a couple of the regulars, including Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis, unavailable for the start of the season. The Scorchers have the skill and the know-how among their personnel, support staff and the organisation to win their sixth title. Don’t worry about any “bigger-name players” at rival clubs. It has always made me laugh the way Perth have continuously been under-appreciated and shown a lack of respect because they don’t recruit based on names. Their formula of trying to keep the bulk of the WA squad together has always been a good one. My only worry heading into this season is that WA’s one-day form has not been good. In most games they have had significant batting collapses which is something unusual from them. But we are talking about two different formats and the BBL is different in many ways. One of those differences is the crowds and mammoth support the Scorchers get and that has helped over the years for sure. The keys to Perth’s campaign will be to win well at home and win the tight games. Show the fight that has been missing from the one-day format and if they can do that, then they will be tough to beat. I like the Scorchers’ brave call to let star batsman Laurie Evans go in favour of putting their money towards specialist T20 opener Finn Allen and pre-signing him on a two-year contract. I don’t blame Evans for his departure to the UAE competition – where he could earn more money – on the eve of the finals last season, as he was clear to the Scorchers about his availability. But it wasn’t the best move in the end. Evans was in incredible form, smashing 72 off 34 balls in the final regular season game before disappearing. And Perth paid for it by being quickly eliminated. Evans did a great job for the Scorchers while he was there, but I really think you need to be committed to a full season. Melbourne Renegades pounced on him in the draft, but will have the same issue when he departs. Allen recently declined a central contract with New Zealand, which is huge and a sign of what he wants to do in his career - chase the T20 circuit and hit big all over the world. If you haven’t seen Allen bat, you are in for a treat. The Kiwi has a nice swing of the bat and hits sixes with ease. He should get the innings off to some good starts and looms as a good fit. Perth’s squad looks nicely balanced with good coverage in both the batting and bowling departments. There are the hitters and those who can bat around them and a strong middle order with young gun Cooper Connolly one to watch. Connolly is a future star. He is a down-to-earth guy who just loves playing cricket and entertaining. The 21-year-old is a match winner for sure and I like that he is willing to slide up and down the order to play any role that is needed. I do like him down the order though so he can come in after a bit of shine is off the ball and his hitting power and his eye make him a dangerous middle-order weapon. The Scorchers’ bowling attack has good variety about it. Experience and youth, swing and fast, cutters, slower balls and left and right-arm with a hint of spin and straight balls. Jason Behrendorff uses the new ball well, swinging it to get early wickets, especially at Optus Stadium. Since having back surgery and making the decision to focus on the shorter formats, he has been a vital cog and a leader in the group. Jhye Richardson showed signs of his best in his last first-class match in Adelaide. He swung the pink ball both ways and his skills in T20 cricket are up there with the best bowlers in the country. There’s so much to be excited about. Lance Morris and his raw pace and the up-and-coming Mahli Beardman. I like the blend in this attack. They have built a team that can play on all surfaces around the country. Coach Adam Voges isn’t afraid to switch things around when they confront different conditions and scenarios. Above all, one thing I do know about the Scorchers – as a former player - is their culture. It is part of what makes the team great and it’s just a fact. They are a close group of mates and when the overseas players join, they are welcomed into the group as a West Aussie. I know that many past overseas players really enjoyed their time in Perth and retain fond memories of wearing the orange.