Perth Scorchers have signed England opener Zak Crawley as their replacement for New Zealand power-hitter Finn Allen ahead of BBL|16. The 28-year-old has agreed to a one-year deal and will be available throughout the season, including the finals. Crawley previously played six games for the Scorchers during BBL|13, scoring 155 runs. His return comes after Allen, who scored 466 runs to help Perth win their sixth men’s BBL title last season, moved to Melbourne Stars on a three-year deal.
Zak Crawley returns after previous BBL stint
Crawley made his Big Bash debut with Hobart Hurricanes in the 2022-23 season after catching the attention of former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. He played eight matches for the Hurricanes before joining Perth in BBL|13. The right-hander made an immediate impression for the Scorchers, scoring an unbeaten 65 against his former team at Optus Stadium.
His six appearances produced 155 runs, and Perth have now brought him back to strengthen their top order following Allen’s departure. Crawley will join a batting group featuring Mitch Marsh, Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie. His full availability is another major advantage for the Scorchers as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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Crawley brings international and franchise experience
Crawley has scored 3,586 runs in 64 Test matches for England, including a career-best 267 against Pakistan in 2020. He was later dropped from England’s Test squad following their Ashes campaign last summer but has continued to play white-ball cricket. The Kent batter scored 259 runs in 12 T20 Blast matches this year and also featured for Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred alongside Scorchers star Marsh.
He has played nine ODIs for England, with his most recent appearance coming against Sri Lanka in January, but remains uncapped in T20Is. Crawley is the second English player to join Perth for BBL|16 after leg-spinner Calvin Harrison. The Scorchers have also added Western Australian all-rounder Will Malajczuk as they look to build another strong squad for the new season.
