Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers’ David Payne says he is ready to face Melbourne Renegades days after landing

Fast-bowling import David Payne has declared his hand is up to play for the Scorchers in Wednesday night’s clash with Melbourne Renegades, less than 48 hours after landing in Perth. Payne arrived from Dubai on Monday evening after a wild 24 hours where he took three wickets in Desert Vipers’ ILT20 final victory, then briefly celebrated with teammates and then spent 11 hours on a plane. He could come straight into the second-placed Perth’s side to take on the Renegades at Optus Stadium on Wednesday as part of a major bowling shake-up, with fellow paceman Jhye Richardson returning and spinner Ashton Agar in serious doubt with a calf injury. “That’s exactly the reason I wanted to fly out as soon as possible, to give myself the best possible chance (of playing on Wednesday),” Payne told The West Australian after landing in Perth. “Certainly in my eyes I’ll be available for selection and I’ll leave that up to the team to decide what’s best. But from my point of view I’m available to play.” The Scorchers will train at Optus Stadium on Tuesday, where Payne is expected to be only on light duties as he prepares to make a case to play. Payne was a part of the Scorchers’ title-winning squad three seasons ago and said it had been a dream to return since then. The 34-year-old played for Adelaide Strikers the following season, but was drafted to Perth last year as part of a play to bring back old Scorchers, including fellow Englishman Laurie Evans. “I’ve got very, very fond memories of this place from a few years ago and i have kind of always dreamt to come back here to be honest, after that,” Payne said. The left-armer took 3-42 from four overs in Desert Vipers’ victory over MI Emirates in the Dubai-based competition’s final on Sunday night, just after his Scorchers teammates restricted Adelaide to 120 at Optus Stadium to win a third-straight match and move up to second. But he only had a brief period to celebrate with the Tom Moody-coached club before heading Down Under. “I managed to get a couple of hours of celebrating with the boys where we lift the trophy and had half-an-hour in the changing room and then I knew I had to get straight on a flight to get here,” he said.