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Scorchers interested in Steyn, Morkel

Justin Langer reveals his interest in signing Proteas fast-bowling pair for BBL|06, while Windies star Carlos Brathwaite is also on his radar.

Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer admits he would love to welcome big-name South Africans Dale Steyn or Morne Morkel to the WACA for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season.

Both of the Scorchers’ imports from last season – Englishmen David Willey and Michael Carberry - are out of contract, leaving Justin Langer with two berths to fill for BBL|06.

Both Steyn and Morkel are regulars in domestic Twenty20 competitions including the Indian Premier League, but the timing of the BBL – which clashes with South Africa’s home summer – has prevented them, and many other Proteas, from taking part in the competition.

Langer still expects the pair’s international commitments to force them to turn down any advances, but it doesn’t stop him from dreaming.

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“(The Scorchers) would definitely be interested in signing Dale Steyn or Morne Morkel,” Langer said.

“But that’s one of the toughest things about the BBL, trying to find overseas players because great players like that are playing international cricket so you either have them for none of the time or some of it.

“They’d have to work it out with their governing board.

“We asked David Miller but he’s got a verbal agreement with the other guys. Not sure how it’s going to work out. These things evolve but it’s not as simple as it sounds. Imagine having Dale Steyn here. Who wouldn’t (want him)?”

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South Africa are scheduled to host Sri Lanka in three Tests, three T20s and five ODIs between December 26 and February 10.

But according to a report on ESPN, both Steyn and Morkel (who was left out of the Proteas’ World T20 squad) have expressed interest in playing in the BBL.

"I don't blame Morne Morkel for thinking that way. He has been messed around. It is very strange how the senior seamers have been treated. I don't think they have been managed well," an unnamed former South African national team member was reported as saying.

"The same thing with Dale Steyn. No-one had the gumption to say that he has had a tough 18 months in white-ball cricket so he is being dropped for the West Indies series and is going to England to find form; instead they said they are resting him. It's no secret Dale is not the happiest camper out there at the moment."

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Steyn was rested from South Africa’s squad for the recent tri-series against Australia and the West Indies in the Caribbean, but was later given clearance to play for Glamorgan in England’s domestic T20 competition which ran concurrently.

Langer also revealed on Friday he had spoken to several West Indies players while filling in for Darren Lehmann as Australia head coach during the ODI tri-series in the Caribbean.

But the West Indies Cricket Board’s current policy prevents players who don't make themselves available for domestic competitions – including the Super50 tournament in January each year - from being eligible for international selection.

“Guys like them, Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder, if they are to play BBL they have to renege on playing for their countries.

“It’s courageous for people to do that. There’s lots of talk and lots of speculation but in reality not a lot give up international cricket to come and play BBL.

“You’ve seen controversy (around) Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo doing that, but not sure some of those players starting off international careers or still playing international cricket would like to.

“Of course we’d like to have them.

“Carlos would be brilliant in the BBL, he’s like a giant, he whacks them, he bowls, he’s a gun athlete, he fields but to get him there he’s got to sign off playing for the Windies. I wouldn’t do that.”

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Langer is still hopeful he might be able to secure allrounder Willey for a second season with the club, but his international engagements could stand in the way with England set to tour India during the BBL.

“But if all goes to plan for Willey, he can only play four or five games for us. That goes away from the philosophy of the past where we want them here the whole time,” Langer said.