He made history by being part of the BBL’s first trade, but spinner James Muirhead isn’t expecting to get much of a sniff with the Perth Scorchers this summer.

Muirhead switched from the Melbourne Stars to the Scorchers last month in exchange for fellow spinner Michael Beer, who struggled for game time with Perth last season.

The Scorchers enter the BBL light on for experience and batting depth, but they have plenty of weapons up their sleeve when it comes to the spin department.

Veteran Brad Hogg will again lead the charge, while two-Test spinner Ashton Agar has also been slated for a key role.

Muirhead shot to prominence when he played five T20Is for Australia earlier this year, but the 21-year-old knows opportunities will be tough to come by at the Scorchers.

Not that he minds though, with his thoughts firmly set on the long-term picture and adding to his three first-class games for Victoria.

“I’m here to learn and develop my game as much as I can. If I do get an opportunity to play, then that’s just a bonus,” Muirhead said.

“I’m here to improve my cricket. I want to do that over the next couple of months, and then head back to Melbourne and hopefully play some first-class cricket there.

“I came for the opportunity to work with Hoggy, and also to be around one of my best mates in Ash.”

Muirhead formed a strong friendship with Agar during their days together in Australia’s Under-19s side, with the pair dubbing themselves the “spin twins”.

And after enduring some gruelling training sessions under Scorchers coach Justin Langer, Muirhead now understands why WA cricket is enjoying a resurgence.

“Tuesday was definitely the hardest session I’ve ever had,” Muirhead said.

“It was a real eye opener to WA cricket.

“Everything that I’ve heard about Justin is correct. He’s a really hard bloke but really fair at the same time.”

The Scorchers begin their BBL campaign against the Adelaide Strikers at the WACA Ground on Monday.