Prior to the 2022–23 Big Bash League (BBL) season, veteran South African batter Faf du Plessis signed a contract with Perth Scorchers as a substitute international player.
A strong right-hander, du Plessis has played for the Proteas 262 times (69 Tests, 143 ODIs, 50 T20Is) and captained the team 115 times (36 Tests, 39 ODIs, 40 T20Is) during a career that lasted from 2011 to 2021. He will soon call Optus Stadium home.
He has appeared in 311 professional T20 matches and accrued 8,074 runs — four centuries and 50 half-centuries — at an average of 31.05. He is also the most seasoned player on Perth's roster.
According to Scorchers, du Plessis averaged 83.16 in Tests (499 runs from nine innings) and 52.60 in ODIs (526 runs from 12 innings) while playing in Australia. He also scored 27 from 15 in his sole T20I.
The 38-year-old has demonstrated his talent in a variety of settings, but he is most comfortable near the top of the order when his timing and precise ball-striking stand out.
Du Plessis will take the place of Englishman Laurie Evans for the first seven games of BBL-12.
"I'm very happy to have signed with the Perth Scorchers. I believe the first thing that comes to mind is Perth's remarkable four-time championship record. It's a terrific franchise to be a part of since every player who competes globally wants to win, according to du Plessis.
"I'm eager to enter and study as well. Finding out why other people and organisations are successful and taking note of their lessons is crucial, in my opinion. It will hopefully be a terrific combo if I can share my experiences and what I've learned.
On December 17, Perth will begin their title defence against Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium.
"Looking from afar, it looks like Optus is probably the quickest wicket in the world. Watching the World Cup, the bounce looked very, very steep. Obviously, the wickets in South Africa and Australia are quite similar with more pace and bounce than spin, so it is something I've grown up with and I'm looking forward to playing in Perth this summer."