Scorchers launch BBL|14 with Wild West Win

Here are the key takeaways from tonight’s match. 

1. Richardson and Behrendorff set tone in Powerplay

Jhye Richardson (3-19 from four overs) and Jason Behrendorff (1-19 from four) – who currently sit second and third on the Scorchers’ all-time wicket-takers list, respectively – showcased their class with the new ball tonight. Behrendorff opened the season with a maiden while Richardson was also frugal, the pair conceding just 13 runs during the first four overs. Richardson was later named Player of the Match, having claimed the scalps of Joe Clarke, Sam Harper and Beau Webster. 

2. Connolly coming of age

In the absence of Josh Inglis and Aaron Hardie, the Scorchers needed someone to step up in the top order and Cooper Connolly rose to the challenge. Coming in at first drop, the 21-year-old showed composure beyond his years with 64 (51) – his maiden BBL half-century – and laid the foundations for Perth’s six-wicket triumph. 

3. Turner and Hobson clinical in the chase

Known for his calmness under pressure, it was a return to regular programming for Ashton Turner (37 not out from 27) during his first BBL match in almost exactly 12 months. The skipper entered the fray at 3-37 and put on 68 runs alongside Connolly, before power hitter Nick Hobson (27no from 14) finished the job with 17 deliveries in hand. 

4. Scorchers set record for BBL Season Opener

No fewer than 30,459 fans flocked to Optus Stadium to see their team make the perfect start to BBL|14, setting a new attendance benchmark for the BBL’s season-opener. On top of an entertaining match, those who attended enjoyed a Wild West-themed extravaganza featuring local celebrities, whip-crackers, livestock, country-western music and plenty more.  

Jhye Richardson snared 3-19 as the Stars spluttered their way to 9-146 from their allotted overs in Sunday night's KFC BBL|14 season opener in Perth.

In reply, the Scorchers reached the victory target with 17 balls to spare thanks largely to a career-best knock from Cooper Connolly (64 off 51 balls) and a cool head from captain Ashton Turner (37no off 27 balls).

Nick Hobson (27no off 14 balls) joined the fun once Connolly was dismissed.

There was injury drama during the Scorchers' chase when Cartwright had to be stretchered off the ground on a medi-cab following a fielding mishap.

The 32-year-old lay motionless on the turf after sliding to a stop, and medical staff carefully assessed him for almost five minutes before loading him onto the medi-cab.

Cartwright was taken to hospital for further assessment.

"They've ruled out concussion, but he's gone to hospital for some scans on his neck," Stars captain Marcus Stoinis said.

"They're a bit worried or precautionary about his neck, so fingers crossed he's alright. 

"He's a heartbeat of our team, but not only us, with Western Australia and the Scorchers, he's a very well-respected guy. 

"It did definitely put a damper on the mood of the night. 

The Scorchers will now prepare for consecutive away matches against Hobart Hurricanes (Saturday 21 December, Ninja Stadium) and Melbourne Renegades (Monday 23 December, Marvel Stadium), before returning to Optus Stadium against Brisbane Heat in the Club’s annual Boxing Day Bash.