Scorchers in control of BBL fate
Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer says it is nice to know they have their destiny in their own hands leading into their final regular season Big Bash League game against the Melbourne Stars next Monday.
The Scorchers must beat the ladder-leading Stars, who have not lost a game this season, at the MCG on January 27 to assure themselves of a home semifinal at the WACA Ground.
Perth secured their semifinals place for a third straight year with a five-run win over the Adelaide Strikers on Thursday night, but with the Sydney Sixers beating the Melbourne Renegades last night, the Scorchers will most likely need another win to remain in second spot and host a semifinal.
Speaking at the club’s fan day at the WACA this morning, Langer said he had been delighted with the support they had received from the fans and hoped to be able to reward them with a home final.
“It is brilliant,” he said.
“We have seen incredible support for the Scorchers, it is only growing as well.
“It’s nice that they come out and keep supporting us on match day and for us to be able to return the favour and let them be out on the WACA and have a good time is great.
“I think cricket is alive and well in Australia at the moment so it’s nice to see us getting such great support and I know the players appreciate it.”
Langer said the talent and experience in the Stars lineup made them a tough prospect but believed they were beatable.
“Again we have got destiny in our own hands,” he said.
“If we beat the Stars next Monday then we will have a home semifinal so that’s really exciting and we’re looking forward to that.”
Langer said veteran South African Alfonso Thomas could still pay a role in the finals, and didn’t discount spinner Michael Beer returning if conditions suited him.
Nathan Coulter-Nile and Shaun Marsh could also come back into the side if they are not required for national duties, giving Langer plenty to think about.
“We are going to work really hard physically this week,” he said.
“We will manage it and make sure they are ready to go for that important game next Monday.”
