Tara Murray
The stunning rise of former Sunshine Heights bowler Peter Hatzoglou has continued as he joins Big Bash League (BBL) side the Perth Scorchers.
The 22-year-old was one of the surprise packets of last season’s competition, rising from a replacement player to one of the spinners of the tournament with the Melbourne Renegades.
He took 17 wickets in 13 games, while also becoming a fan favourite.
Hatzoglou has signed a two year contract with the Scorchers, who have been one of the competitions’ standout sides.
He replaces former Australian spinner Fawad Ahmed at the Scorchers. The pair played together at Melbourne University, with Hatzoglou previously crediting Ahmed for some of his development.
Scorchers coach Adam Voges said he was thrilled to have Hatzoglou join the team for the summer ahead.
“Peter quickly became a crowd favourite in the Big Bash last year and I’m sure the Scorchers members and fans will love watching him,” he said.
“He gives us the flexibility to bowl spin at different times throughout the innings and will combine with Ash Agar to make a strong spin duo.
“Peter is a long-term option for us, which means sadly we say goodbye to Fawad who’s been a huge asset to our team over the past two seasons.”
The signing with Perth caps off a stunning rise for Hatzoglou. In 2017 he was playing for Sunshine Heights in division 3 in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
He had played just 10 first XI Victorian Premier Cricket games when he made his BBL debut.
He would also make his state debut earlier this year, playing for South Australia in the one-day Marsh Cup. He and his younger brother Max made the move to South Australia last year when the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the Victorian cricket season.
