Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers star Laurie Evans prepared for final despite dearth of time in the middle

Perth Scorchers star Laurie Evans has no doubt he will come into Sunday’s blockbuster Big Bash League final primed to perform, despite a tournament where he has been starved of action in the middle. The English import has faced only 63 balls throughout the duration of the season, with the return of Josh Inglis at the conclusion of the wicketkeeper’s Test duties pushing him further down the batting order to No.7. The most deliveries he has faced in a single game this season was the 18 in the Scorchers’ loss to Hobart Hurricanes on Boxing Day and he has not been required with the bat in three of his 10 appearances. But the powerful hitter has made the most of his limited opportunities, smashing five sixes to go with nine boundaries to maintain a strike rate just above 150. Evans told The West Australian he was well and truly used to the life of a lower-order Twenty20 batter and he was sure his game is in good order ahead of the decider. “I just rely heavily on my experience,” Evans said. “My job batting down the order is just to have an impact as much as I can, whether that’s a quick 20 off 10 balls or hopefully winning a game when the pressure’s on. “I hope I get an opportunity to have an effect on the game, but similarly, the fact I haven’t faced many balls means that the boys at the top have been doing a great job. This team’s batting line-up has been so dangerous all the way through the tournament, it’s been a pleasure to watch and sit there and be needed when I’m required.” A large part of the reason why Evans has been a massively popular figure in Perth was his match-winning knock in the 2021-22 final, which led the Scorchers to their fourth title. Walking to the crease with his side in all sorts of trouble at 4-25 after six overs, he completely changed the game with a brilliant 76 not out from 41 deliveries, being named as the player of the final for his knock. Evans said his strong track record in finals would be another source of confidence for the last game of the season. “It’s one from one in finals in the Big Bash for me, so I don’t want to tarnish that record,” he said. “After the last couple of seasons, having been leaving early and stuff, I committed to the full tournament because I value the Big Bash so highly in my calendar year and I knew that me being available for the whole time would be a big strength in terms of coming back to Perth. “When I arrived, I set out to win the trophy again. It’s been four years since (2022) and I missed the one we won after that, so I’m really excited for Sunday.”