Justin Langer names BBL 2017-18 title favourites

Perth Scorchers are one of the most consistent sides of Australia’s T20 competition, Big Bash League (BBL). They have made their way into the final 5 times, and have won thrice. On the contrary, Melbourne Renegades have never made it to the final. Yet, looking at their current squad, the coach of Perth Scorchers, Justin Langer feels the red shirts are the favourites to win the title this time around.

The Renegades have had a great start to the season, winning both of their opening games by 7 wickets. Scorchers too are doing what they usually do, win matches. They have defeated Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars to sit at the top of the table, over Renegades, thanks to their healthy net run rate.

Bolstered by the likes of Aaron Finch, Dwayne Bravo, Brad Hodge and Cameron White, Renegades are looking dangerous in this season, which led Langer to say “I think they’re the favourites for the tournament.”

“They’re so well-balanced with their team. They’re such a well-balanced team. [They’ve got] experience, Cameron White is a brilliant leader, [Aaron] Finch is dangerous. [Brad] Hodge. I’d pay money to watch Hodge bat. They’ve got a very good team. I think they’re the team to beat,” the 47-year-old former batter further continued, as per reports in The Canberra Times.

Scorchers stands beside Michael Klinger

The 37-year-old veteran opening batter of Perth, Michael Klinger was back in the field for the first time in Scorchers’ last match against Stars, since revealing that his wife Cindy is battling Cancer. The team has assured to support the cricketer in his tough times.

“It’s great to see him (Klinger) playing cricket. We’ll just help him through as much as we can,” said Langer. Scorchers’ seamer Andrew Tye commented “It was awesome to have [Klinger] back in the change rooms. What he’s going through is just heartbreaking. If he ever needs anything, and if he ever just wants a hug, we’ll be there for him.”

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