In a high-stakes Big Bash League showdown, the Perth Scorchers have won the toss and elected to bowl first against the Melbourne Stars at a packed Optus Stadium. The outcome of this Saturday night blockbuster will determine which team finishes on top of the BBL ladder.
Toss Fortune Turns for Scorchers
Captain Ashton Turner's correct call at the coin toss ended a remarkable run of eight consecutive lost flips for the Scorchers. The last time Perth won a toss was in their season opener against the Sydney Sixers. Stars skipper Marcus Stoinis called incorrectly, handing Turner the choice, and he immediately opted to field, a strategy favoured by most teams throughout the tournament.
Key Team Changes and Batting Order
The Scorchers welcome back star wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis, who was rested for Thursday's win over the Melbourne Renegades as part of a Cricket Australia workload management plan. He replaces finisher Nick Hobson in the side's sole change.
Inglis is slated to return to the number four batting position. All-rounder Aaron Hardie is carded at five, ahead of captain Ashton Turner and the hard-hitting Laurie Evans, giving Perth a formidable middle order.
Young leg-spinner Luke Holt retains his place and is set for his maiden appearance at Optus Stadium. The pitch in recent Scorchers home games against Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades has offered more turn than the traditional Optus surface, which could play to Holt's advantage.
Stakes Could Not Be Higher
The match is a complete sell-out, with all available tickets snapped up by Saturday morning. The implications for the finals are massive.
A victory for the Scorchers would see them secure top spot and the right to host the Qualifier against the Hobart Hurricanes on Tuesday. The winner of that Qualifier earns direct passage to the BBL grand final.
However, a defeat would mean Perth could finish no higher than third on the ladder, with a potential slide to fourth place. That scenario would force them to travel for Wednesday's sudden-death Knockout final.
The Melbourne Stars have been bolstered by the return of former Scorcher Joe Clarke, who will slot into the number three batting position as they aim to topple the Perth powerhouse on their home deck.
