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Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers sign ex-Melbourne Stars speedster Lance Morris on multi-year deal

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Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Lance Morris has revealed he always wanted to come home and play for the Perth Scorchers after signing a two-year deal.
Camera IconLance Morris has revealed he always wanted to come home and play for the Perth Scorchers after signing a two-year deal. Credit: Perth Scorchers

Lance Morris revealed he always wanted to come home and play for the Perth Scorchers after signing a two-year deal for the Big Bash League powerhouse.

The Dunsborough-bred speedster has been part of the WACA setup for several years but spent the past three BBL tournaments at the Melbourne Stars, the first as an injury-replacement player and the next couple on a full contract.

The 23-year-old, nicknamed ‘The Wild Thing’, made his debut in a Melbourne Derby at Marvel Stadium in January last year, breaking State teammate Shaun Marsh’s bat, and went on to play seven matches in for the men in green.

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“It was always in the works that I was going to come back to WA eventually,” Morris told The West Australian.

“Initially I went over to the Melbourne Stars and that was a really good experience and I learned a lot but I think I always wanted to come back to Perth and play for the Scorchers at some stage.

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“I felt like a grew a lot as a player during my time at the Stars, especially playing with the likes of Dale Steyn, Nathan Coulter-Nile. Just being in the same changerooms as those guys was really beneficial and even playing in front of crowds.”

Morris was excited to play in front of a home crowd at Optus Stadium after missing the chance to feature as an away player in BBL09 because of a hand injury.

“I still haven’t played a genuine game at Optus, I’ve done centre-wicket net sessions but that’s about it so it will be pretty exciting to play out there,” he said.

“The day before we played against the Scorchers in BBL09, I think I was a sniff of playing but I split the webbing in my finger so it was pretty devastated that I couldn’t play.”

The lure of working alongside WA bowling coach Matt Mason was also a big factor behind his decision.

Morris, who is capable of hitting the 150kmh mark, has been simplifying his bowling action with Mason during the off-season in a bid to hit top speed for longer.

“The main driving factor is being able to work with the State coaching staff,” Morris said.

“Matt Mason has been huge for me, just over the last couple of years we’ve really nailed down some technical things.

“A lot of the technical work that I’m doing with him at the moment is about sustaining speed for longer and making it easier on my body because it’s not easy running in and bowling fast all day.”

Morris becomes the second player to cross from a Melbourne-based BBL franchise to the Scorchers since the signing embargo lifted last month after Melbourne Renegades spinner Peter Hatzoglou.

The right-arm tearaway will join Australian limited-overs regulars Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff and Jhye Richardson in a star-studded pace attack, but knows he may have to bide his time for a spot in the XI.

“I think at some stage there will be some Aussie call-ups, we’re a strong white-ball State so at the end of the day there’s probably going to be some gaps to be filled,” Morris said.

Morris made his Sheffield Shield and Marsh One-Day Cup debuts for WA last season during a breakout summer, taking 12 wickets in five first-class appearances.

“It was a really good year and has done wonders for my confidence,” Morris said.

“I love being a part of the WA setup and I feel like I’ve cemented a spot in their line-up.”

Scorchers coach Adam Voges said was pleased to secure the “exciting” West Aussie talent.“We’re very pleased that Lance has signed on with the Perth Scorchers,” Voges said.“He’s an exciting talent who bowls with genuine ball speed, we’re looking forward to him continuing his development as a Scorcher.”

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