Philippe stays with the Sydney Sixers leaving Scorchers to look elsewhere

Josh Philippe, the in-demand exciting wicketkeeper-batsman, has signed a three-year Big Bash contract extension with Sydney Sixers.

Philippe, 21, set the BBL alight last season after making a last-minute move from Perth Scorchers to the Sixers on a one-year deal just prior to the start of the tournament.

He made 304 runs at a strike-rate of 158.33, the highest of the 21 players who made 300 runs or more in the BBL. He struck two blistering half-centuries including an unbeaten 86 in a chase against the best home and away team Hobart Hurricanes, and 52 in the semi-final against the eventual champions Melbourne Renegades.

The Scorchers made a significant bid to lure Philippe home as he hails from Perth, began his career with the Scorchers in BBL07 and plays his one-day domestic and Sheffield Shield cricket with Western Australia. However, while Philippe will continue to play with WA next season he has committed to the Sixers in the BBL the next three years.

It leaves the Scorchers looking to completely rebuild their list for the first time in the franchise's history after missing the finals for the first time in eight seasons and finishing bottom.

The three-time champions have lost Shaun Marsh who signed a three-year deal with the Melbourne Renegades. Opener Michael Klinger has retired, Hilton Cartwright has also left, signing a three-year deal with the Melbourne Stars and overseas players David Willey and Usman Qadir have not had their contracts renewed.

The Scorchers have re-signed wicketkeeper batsman Sam Whiteman on a two-year deal. Whiteman endured an injury-riddled 2018-19 season play just four BBL matches, but he did make 68 off 44 balls in his last game of the season against the Hurricanes before injuring his quad. He also had a good finish to the Sheffield Shield season playing as an opening batsman for Western Australia.