Langer's balancing act
Finding the right team balance has been an obstacle for the Perth Scorchers this season and will continue to be as international players move in and out of the team, according to coach Justin Langer.
Nathan Coulter-Nile returns from Test squad duties to bolster the Scorchers in tonight's game against Hobart Hurricanes at the WACA Ground.
But Coulter-Nile and batsman Shaun Marsh have been selected in Australia's one-day inter- national squad to take on England and will be unavailable after tonight's match.
Fast bowler Pat Cummins is recovering from a lower back injury and could return in Friday night's match away to Sydney Sixers.
The Scorchers are firmly in the hunt for a third successive finals appearance and sit fourth with a 2-2 record, but Langer said the balancing act would be a big test.
He is yet to decide on the make-up of his team for tonight's game.
"We've been wrestling with our balance for the whole season, to be honest with you," Langer said.
"With Coults coming back in it certainly gives us that little bit more batting, so we'll work out whether to go for the five specialist bowlers again or if we let Mitch Marsh bowl the four overs like he did the other night."
Spinner Michael Beer is a chance to return after being left out against Sydney Thunder last Friday.
"Frankly, it was one of the toughest selection calls we've made in Scorchers history," Langer said. "He's been one of the first-picked bowlers for us over the campaigns.
"Unfortunately though, like at the Champions League in India, our balance isn't quite right yet.
"He missed out last game but we'll look at the conditions, see how windy it is and we'll decide whether he'll play or not."
Coulter-Nile has played two matches for the Scorchers this season and will be welcomed back into the line-up.
"It's good to have Coults back," Langer said.
"He's had some fantastic performances for us and he's itching to play because he's been sitting around not playing much cricket.
"But having said that, he's had a fairytale few weeks being involved with the Ashes and a 5-0 victory.
"He's always great to have in your team and it improves the balance of our side."
Hobart have one win and a no-result from their three games. Coach Damian Wright said tonight was a must-win for his side.
"We need to stay in contention with the top of the ladder," he said.
Scorchers: from Simon Katich (capt), Yasir Arafat, Michael Beer, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Brad Hogg, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Alfonso Thomas, Ashton Turner, Craig Simmons, Adam Voges, Sam Whiteman.
Hurricanes: from Tim Paine (capt), Travis Birt, Aiden Blizzard, Doug Bollinger, Cameron Boyce, Xavier Doherty, Ben Dunk, Evan Gulbis, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ben Laughlin, Shoaib Malik, Owais Shah, Jon Wells.
