BBL 2022/23: South West stars Lance Morris and Sam Whiteman make long-awaited return to Big Bash League

After being released from the Australian Test squad, “Wild Thing” Lance Morris was finally unleashed for the Perth Scorchers in his return to the Big Bash League.

The Dunsborough product was rushed into the Perth Scorchers squad just a day after touching down in Perth after he missed out on making his Australian Test debut during the final Test against South Africa at the SCG.

Morris did not miss a beat in making an impact for the Scorchers during their seven-wicket win over Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

Morris took his first wicket with the first ball of the ninth wicket, with Colin Munro caught out by Cooper Connolly for 45 runs, and later took a second wicket with the fourth ball of the 17th over, resulting in Jimmy Peirson caught out by Cameron Bancroft for 23 runs.

As the Heat finished the 20 overs on 9/171, the fast bowler bowled 2/40.

Morris ultimately did not bat following the change after the Scorchers surpassed the Heat on 3/173 in 16.3 overs thanks to dominant batting performances by Bancroft (76 not out) and Aaron Hardie (57 runs).

Meanwhile, Bunbury’s Sam Whiteman made his long-awaited return to the Sydney Thunder during their sellout Sydney Smash match against the Sydney Sixers at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday.

After an LBW saw the departing Alex Hales out for a duck during the second over, Whiteman stepped up to give the Thunder a boost, smashing 42 runs from 34 balls, including four fours and a six, until he was caught out by Sixers’ Josh Philippe in the last ball of the 13th over.

After the 20 overs, the Thunder finished on 8/133, with Whiteman being the highest contributor.

However, the Thunder fell short of claiming victory, with the Sixers managing 3/134 in 16.2 overs.