Perth were unable to ‘three-peat’ after a comprehensive semi-final defeat to the Stars and after a sustained period of success this season, it could be more of a struggle for the sandgropers.

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Classy Englishman Ian Bell is well known to Australian audiences and will replace fellow Pom Michael Carberry as one of the franchise’s imports, with Justin Langer banking on him to provide more run support to the consistent Michael Klinger (pictured above).

While skipper Adam Voges has recovered from the nasty head knock suffered in a recent Shield fixture and offers a steadying influence in the middle order.

Local fans will be delighted by the signing of Mitchell Johnson, who should have happy memories of life at the WACA having taken several bags at the venue during his Test career, although he has admitted to a little rustiness having hardly gripped a ball since his international retirement.

With Brad Hogg gone, a lot rests on the shoulders of Ashton Agar, particularly with swing king Jason Behrendorff unlikely to feature as a result of stress fractures.

As always, the Scorchers will be tough to beat at home and their season will likely hinge on how they perform on the road.

Unibet Odds: 6.50

Last Season: 4th

Prediction: 5th