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Brad Hogg is adamant imposing WA batsman Ashton Turner has the potential to captain his country. Turner was outstanding during Monday night’s Big Bash League clash between Perth Scorchers
and Melbourne Renegades. The angular right-hander blasted 70 from only 32 deliveries as the Scorchers chased down the Renegades’ 3-185 for the loss of five wickets with one ball to spare.
Turner was appointed WA’s vice-captain behind Australian all-rounder Mitch Marsh this season. Hogg, who previously played with Turner and dropped the 24-year-old early in Monday night’s
innings, said his former teammate was a player with boundless potential. “He’s one that I think is capable of captaining Australia,” Hogg said. “I think he’s got a very good cricket brain.
“He’ll do a very good job when Mitchell Marsh is not here captaining the State team as well. Down the track I think he’s got the ability for that.” WA coach Justin Langer said Turner’s calm
nature was a key reason behind his development as a strong leader. The Scorchers spent most of Monday night needing to score more than 10 runs an over to win and Turner, with English import
David Willey (55), handled the chase perfectly. Not surprisingly, Langer is proud of the number of leaders in WA cricket. “You could say it (future Australian captain) about Mitch Marsh at
the moment, too, I would have thought,” Langer said. “He (Turner) is a tremendous talent and he’s the vice-captain of the Scorchers and the West Australian cricket team. “He’s got great
leadership capabilities and he showed again with the bat and his temperament how good a player he can be.” The Scorchers flew to Sydney yesterday morning ahead of tomorrow night’s match
against Sydney Thunder at Spotless Stadium. The reigning BBL champions tackle Adelaide Strikers in Alice Springs on Saturday. Perth have lost only one game this season, but Langer said there
was plenty of room for improvement after dropped catches almost cost them victory against the Renegades, who are yet to beat the WA franchise. “Usually after a win like that you are jumping
through the roof,” Langer said. “But there are so many areas we can get better at.” Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson and Willey won’t play against the Thunder after being selected for the
one-day series between Australia and England. English all-rounder Tim Bresnan has been added to the squad as Willey’s replacement. Shaun Marsh was earmarked to return, but will be rested
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