Big Bash League: Import David Payne in awe of Perth Scorchers’ batters but team not resting on laurels

Perth import David Payne says he’s in awe of Scorchers’ power-packed batting lineup and believes they would be good enough to compete for the crown at the T20 World Cup after watching them dismantle Adelaide Strikers on Sunday night. However, the fast-bowling veteran says the team won’t be resting on their laurels with two games to go to secure their finals position. The Scorchers moved back into second on the table with their 32-run victory at Adelaide Oval, and remain in the box seat to earn the right to challenge likely table-toppers Hobart Hurricanes for grand final hosting rights. And if results fall the five-time champions’ way, with Hobart losing their last game and Perth toppling Melbourne Renegades on Thursday and Melbourne Stars on Saturday, they could even claim the minor premiership. Much of the Scorchers’ hopes will rest on their batting, with the side having scored 200 or more in all of their road games, including their second-highest total on record of 4-232 against the Strikers off the back of a four-over Power Play that was blasted for 69 runs by Mitch Marsh and Finn Allen without the loss of a wicket. “I was actually thinking watching them, this lineup could play against anyone,” Payne, who joined the group last week after winning the ILT20 with Desert Vipers, said post-match. “Australia could put that batting line-up out in the World Cup, and I think they would do pretty well. I don’t think you get too many better lineups than what we’ve got here.” Perth has surpassed 200 only 11 times in franchise history, with four of those innings, including a team-record 6-257 at the Gabba, coming this season. However, with four teams, including Perth, still in a position to challenge for second, there is no room for slip-ups. And Payne, who claimed three wickets against Adelaide, said the Scorchers were conscious of how important winning momentum is coming into the pointy end of the campaign. “I think it’s a fairly tight table, and I don’t think we can sit on our laurels and think that’s job done,” he said. “We’ve got a big game on Thursday at Melbourne, and we’ll make sure we’re doing our best to try and win that and go back home for our last group game and do well in front of those Perth fans. “We certainly will just want to keep the winning momentum going with the last two games to go, and hopefully that secures the finals spot.” The Renegades game will be played at Marvel Stadium, a notoriously tough wicket for batting, while Optus Stadium has produced uncharacteristic decks so far this season, but will use a fresh surface for the clash against the Stars, who currently sit level with Perth on points with two games to go.