With a disastrous start to their one-day cup season behind them, Western Australia could complete a remarkable turnaround if they beat Tasmania and earn a bonus point at the WACA on Tuesday.
After losing four of their first five games, things began looking up for the Warriors when Justin Langer took over as coach since the resumption following the Big Bash League.
It started with a 111-run win over NSW in Sydney, continued with a 110-run win over Queensland in Brisbane and now, with South Australia blowing their chance of making the final with a loss to the Blues, the door is open for the WA.
However, they do need to beat Tasmania and earn a bonus point to book in a spot to face Victoria in the final at the MCG on Saturday. Otherwise, it will be the Bulls taking on the Bushrangers.
A loss, on the other hand, will leave the Warriors with a last-place finish as the Tigers leapfrog them.
Tasmania might have won just two of seven games this season in the one-day format but, with George Bailey, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Ben Laughlin and Ricky Ponting in their line-up, they cannot be taken lightly.
The Warriors will be boosted by the return of allrounder Mitch Marsh from a hamstring injury, but he will be limited to just batting in the contest.
It is a vastly new-look WA side as they exchange one Marsh for another with Shaun out with his own hamstring complaint, while Nathan Coulter-Nile and Adam Voges are unavailable after being selected in the Australian A side to play the English Lions.
WA coach Langer is continuing to blood plenty of youth since taking over the Warriors’ job late last year and, as a result, Burt Cockley, Tim Armstrong, Ashton Turner, Hayden Parsons and Luke Towers all come into the side to face the Tigers.
Langer is looking forward to seeing what the additions bring but is most excited by the return of Mitch Marsh.
“Mitch has done everything we expected in his recovery and he has worked very hard to get back,” Langer said.
“His form prior to the hamstring injury was really positive so he’s earned his spot.
“It’s really exciting for WA cricket. The guys who have come into the side so far this season have had an impact and we’re optimistic these new players will be no different.”
Squads:
Western Australia: Michael Hussey (capt), Tim Armstrong, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Burt Cockley, Liam Davis, Michael Hogan, Mitch Marsh, Hayden Parsons, John Rogers, Luke Towers, Ashton Turner, Sam Whiteman.
Tasmania: George Bailey (capt), Harry Allanby, Alex Doolan, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Andrew Fekete, Matt Johnston, Evan Gulbis, Ben Laughlin, Ricky Ponting, Jordan Silk, Timm van der Gugten, Jon Wells.