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Perth Scorchers<\/strong> have signed England<\/strong> opener Zak Crawley<\/strong><\/a> as their replacement for New Zealand<\/strong> power-hitter Finn Allen<\/strong> ahead of BBL|16<\/strong>. The 28-year-old has agreed to a one-year deal and will be available throughout the season, including the finals. Crawley previously played six games for the Scorchers during BBL|13, scoring 155 runs. His return comes after Allen, who scored 466 runs to help Perth win their sixth men\u2019s BBL title last season, moved to Melbourne Stars<\/strong> on a three-year deal.<\/p>\n Crawley made his Big Bash debut with Hobart Hurricanes<\/strong> in the 2022-23 season after catching the attention of former Australia<\/strong> captain Ricky Ponting<\/strong>. He played eight matches for the Hurricanes before joining Perth in BBL|13. The right-hander made an immediate impression for the Scorchers, scoring an unbeaten 65 against his former team at Optus Stadium.<\/p>\n His six appearances produced 155 runs, and Perth have now brought him back to strengthen their top order following Allen\u2019s departure. Crawley will join a batting group featuring Mitch Marsh<\/strong>, Cooper Connolly<\/strong><\/a> and Aaron Hardie<\/strong>. His full availability is another major advantage for the Scorchers as they prepare for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n Also READ: Jamie and Craig Overton join Melbourne Stars ahead of Big Bash League (BBL) 2026-27<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Crawley has scored 3,586 runs in 64 Test matches for England, including a career-best 267 against Pakistan<\/strong> in 2020. He was later dropped from England\u2019s Test squad following their Ashes<\/strong> campaign last summer but has continued to play white-ball cricket. The Kent batter scored 259 runs in 12 T20 Blast matches this year and also featured for Sunrisers Leeds<\/strong> in The Hundred alongside Scorchers star Marsh.<\/p>\n He has played nine ODIs for England, with his most recent appearance coming against Sri Lanka<\/strong> in January, but remains uncapped in T20Is. Crawley is the second English player to join Perth for BBL|16 after leg-spinner Calvin Harrison<\/strong>. The Scorchers have also added Western Australian all-rounder Will Malajczuk<\/strong> as they look to build another strong squad for the new season.<\/p>\nZak Crawley returns after previous BBL stint<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Crawley brings international and franchise experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n