Western Australian and Tasmania enter the Sheffield Shield game at the WACA Ground starting on Thursday with the knowledge they need to win their last three four-day games to make the final.
The Warriors and Tigers both occupy the last two spots on the Shield table to be eight and six points respectively back from second position.
But with three games remaining and 18 points still available, neither is ready to concede yet they can’t make the final.
Mitch Marsh was not originally going to play in the Shield game, but after his maiden one-day ton on Tuesday in returning from his three-month hamstring injury, he has been included in WA’s side.
Ryan Duffield has also been picked for his first game of the season with left-arm spinner Ashton Agar back from his experience in India to line-up also.
The Warriors will miss Adam Voges (Australia A), Shaun Marsh (hamstring) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (groin).
Marsh was outstanding in Tuesday’s one-day loss for WA, making 104 from 96 balls and he was delighted with both how he performed and how his body held up after three months out.
“I really set myself for this game and I was really happy with the way I batted, but spewing that we lost. Chasing 300 in 40 overs was just too much for us in the end,” Marsh said.
“It’s all sweet. I certainly tested it a few times and the boys got me back for a few quick twos which I didn’t quite like, but that’s really good mentally to get over that sort of sprinting and striding.
“I have done my fair bit of it in my rehab but there’s nothing like a game scenario.”
Tasmania are missing Tim Paine and Alex Doolan to Australian A duties, but still have a strong-looking squad featuring George Bailey, Ricky Ponting and Mark Cosgrove as batsmen, James Faulkner and Luke Butterworth as all-rounders, and bowlers Ben Hilfenhaus and Jason Krejza.
Faulkner, who was outstanding in Tuesday’s one-dayer with 59 not out and 3-62, is confident the Tigers can make a run for the final still.
Playing alongside Ponting is something he wants to make sure he takes full advantage of also.
“We obviously need three wins now to make the final and it looks like it’s going to be a result wicket, so we are just looking forward to the opportunity of playing at the WACA,” Faulkner said.
“Even if Punter doesn’t get runs I’m sure we have plenty of other players in good enough form to get runs but it’s going to take a team effort for four days and we are excited by the challenge.
“It’s just sensational to have any opportunity you get to spend around him and learn about the game.
“He’s a great man so I’m looking forward to playing with him again.
“I have no idea about next year, but I know he’s got his eyes on the prize of making a final.
“He loves playing for Tassie and I’m sure he will give it everything to make that happen.”
Squads
Western Australia: Michael Hussey (capt), Ashton Agar, Tim Armstrong, Burt Cockley, Liam Davis, Ryan Duffield, Marcus Harris, Michael Hogan, Mitch Marsh, John Rogers, Luke Towers, Sam Whiteman.
Tasmania: George Bailey (capt), Luke Butterworth, Mark Cosgrove, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Evan Gulbis, Ben Hilfenhaus, Jason Krejza, Adam Maher, Ricky Ponting, Jordan Silk, Jon Wells.