“No pressure” as Perth Scorchers make ExxonMobil GSL debut

Reigning Big Bash League (BBL) champions, out of Australia, the Perth Scorchers are keen on making their presence felt at the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20.
Making their debut at the global showpiece this year, the Scorchers’ left-arm spin bowler Ashton Agar described the tournament as exciting.
Agar told media operatives, “It’s exciting. Anytime you get to travel internationally, it’s good fun. Playing in new conditions is always a good challenge for any cricketer, and you put yourself on the world stage. I mean, it’s a great opportunity, so we’re going to try and win, and that’s exciting.”
As the Perth Scorchers look to establish themselves as title contenders, Agar declared that there will be no pressure but an intent to adapt to Guyanese conditions.

“No pressure. I think it’s just we have high standards, and we expect to play at a high standard,” the bowler shared. “That’s how we train, that’s how our organisation runs; that doesn’t mean you put any more pressure on the field; I think it’s quite the opposite. You got to play with freedom, train, prepare at a high standard; you give yourself the best chance, that’s our attitude, and that’s how we kick on.”
“It’s a new experience in a new country and new conditions. I don’t come in with too much expectation of what I’m trying to get; you just got to adapt to what’s in front of you and make the best of what’s presented to you, take on opportunities on and off the field, getting used to the conditions at training, and bringing new skills into your game that you might learn over here,” Agar went on to add.
Quizzed about what makes Perth title contenders, Agar highlighted their camaraderie as a factor.
He explained, “This is a bit different, this tournament, because we’ve got six or seven local guys here, and then we’ve got more overseas as well, just because of how the balance of the tournament works and different leagues that are going on in the world as well.”
“For the guys who are from Perth, we’re all very close friends, and that’s something that’s strong in Perth; we look after each other, we treat each other like family, and that’s how we play on the field. It’s not about one guy being the centrepiece of the team; it’s about everyone coming together, and we treat everyone who comes into our team as our family.”
Bringing his left-arm spin to the competition, Agar is eager to cash in on Guyana’s spin-friendly conditions.
“It’s nice. I don’t often bowl on spinning wickets back in Perth; you know, the stadium is not a spin-friendly pitch, and really not many places in Australia are, but to play on a wicket that traditionally turns is exciting. Like I said, you’re just going to have to adapt to the conditions in front, but if it does spin, definitely is my favourite, and I hope it does,” Agar expressed.
The Perth Scorchers will begin their ExxonMobil Guyana GSL campaign on Thursday, July 23, clashing with the Lahore Qalandars from 10:00h at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.