Andrew Scott will make Davidson Oval his home this summer as the Panthers chase back-to-back Warrnambool and District Cricket Association flags.

The Englishman, 20, replaces compatriot Karl Turner as their import. But filling the void left by the explosive left-hander’s departure looms a tough ask.

Turner smashed 694 runs at 63.09 in his debut WDCA campaign. His tally included a double-century against Nirranda and a ton against Port Fairy.

The Panthers are putting no pressure on Scott to replicate those feats but are excited by what the all-rounder could deliver with bat and ball.

“He can bat anywhere in the top five, looks a fairly handy cricketer, bowls attacking off-spin. It’s a huge coup,” coach Dean Hurford said.

Scott, a sports science student, said he was looking forward to the season.

He played at minor counties level with Northumberland as a junior and has been a regular with Alnwick, 55 kilometres north of Newcastle, in seniors.

The link with West stems from Michael Threlfall. The pair lived together when Threlfall played with Alnwick during the 2013 English summer.

“I just want to have a successful summer, try and improve my game when I’m across, take some wickets and score some runs,” Scott said.

“I guess it’ll be similar (to back home) but it’ll be a different style of cricket. The decks will be a lot harder and a lot quicker. It should be good.”

Scott is one of two major additions at West Warrnambool this season, with Michael Townsend returning to the club after a stint at East Warrnambool-YCW. Turner heads the omissions.

The departure of paceman Tom Smith to Victorian Premier Cricket club Geelong means the Panthers will also be without a strike bowler.

All-rounder Luke Gannon has shifted to Merrivale, while veteran Leigh Johnson has retired.

“We’re hoping (Johnson) might get itchy feet by Christmas time. He’s been an outstanding player for the club, up there with the club greats,” Hurford said.

Hurford acknowledged the Panthers, who are in the Merri conference, would be without the “explosiveness” provided by Turner and Smith.

“But saying that I think we’re going to be a better all-round side,” he said.

“You can’t replace Karl Turner, you can’t replace Tom Smith overnight.”

Hurford said early wins would be vital. Their Merri conference rivals are Port Fairy, Russells Creek, Woodford, Wesley-CBC and East Warrnambool-YCW.

“If you win games before Christmas, it sets you up for the rest of the year,” he said.

“Goal number two is to make finals.

“It’d be nice to finish one or two but cricket is a funny game.”