Fan favourite AJ Tye is gearing up for his 11th campaign in orange after committing to Perth Scorchers for the upcoming KFC BBL|14 season.
Tye Dye: Colourful Cult Hero Set For BBL|14
Tye, who joined the Scorchers in BBL|04 following a summer with Sydney Thunder in BBL|03, is among the most decorated bowlers in the competition’s history.
The wily 37-year-old seamer has played more men’s Big Bash League games for Perth (108) than any player but captain Ashton Turner (119), and is the Club’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 154 scalps at 19.50.
His overall tally of 156 wickets at 19.76 is bettered only by Sydney Sixers star Sean Abbott (165 at 20.12).
Tye celebrated championships with the Scorchers in BBL|05, BBL|07, BBL|11 and BBL|12, reinforcing his reputation as a big game performer.
He is also the Club’s inaugural Pride ambassador, a role Tye has embraced since Perth Scorchers launched their annual Pride match in BBL|12.
Armed with colourful socks, eye-catching sunglasses and a down-the-barrel stare few could rival, Tye has long since endeared himself to the Scorchers’ faithful.
Perth now has one local list spot remaining.
Reflecting on his new Perth Scorchers deal, Tye said:
"The Scorchers have been an enormous part of my cricketing journey, so I'm thrilled to be sticking around for another year.
"It's an incredibly exciting time to be at the Club with the established talent we have, as well as guys like Mahli Beardman and Cooper Connolly coming through the ranks.
"On a personal note, I feel my own game is in good shape and the hunger is certainly there, as it is with the rest of the squad. We feel we're more than capable of bouncing back from last season to win another title.
"We have the best supporters in the competition. They've embraced me the whole time we've been here, and the atmosphere they bring to Optus Stadium gives us a genuine point of difference."
Perth Scorchers BBL|14 list to date: Ashton Turner ©, Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (New Zealand), Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matthew Hurst (England) Josh Inglis, Keaton Jennings (England), Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, AJ Tye.