Zak Crawley helped lead The Perth Scorchers to victory on his return to the T20 Big Bash League in Australia on Wednesday.

Kent batsman Crawley struck an unbeaten 46-ball 65 in Perth and shared an unbroken second-wicket stand of 157 runs with Australian Aaron Hardie, who scored 85 not out from just 45 balls.

That ensured they chased down Hobart Hurricanes’ 20-over total of 172-8 inside only 16.1 overs. Crawley, 25, had enjoyed his first Big Bash spell Down Under with Hobart Hurricanes in the 2022/23 campaign.

Among Crawley’s new Scorchers team-mates are 2023 Minster CC (Sheppey) man Laurie Evans and Australian spinner Ashton Agar - older brother of fast bowler Wes Agar, who’s set to re-join Kent in the 2024 summer.

It comes after the former Tonbridge School pupil had been dubbed “the King of Bazball” by Australian newspaper The West Australian Sport. “Bazball” is a nickname which has been given to the attacking brand of Test cricket England play under head coach Brendon McCullum and influential all-rounder Ben Stokes.

Reacting to the headline, he told a reporter in Australia: “If I didn’t laugh, I think I’d cry!

“So, I’m trying to see the funny side of it - I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I’m copping a lot of stick – but rightly so!”

Crawley’s Perth Scorchers are next at home to Melbourne Renegades on Boxing Day (10.15am start UK time).

His Kent team-mate Sam Billings is also playing in the same competition for Brisbane Heat, having hit 18 runs in 11 balls in a big win and an 18-ball 23 during a 20-run triumph.