Perth Scorchers have left veteran quick Joel Paris out of their side for the Big Bash League final with Sydney Sixers, despite his desperate bid to return from injury.
And captain Ashton Turner won a rare bat flip and elected to bowl first, meaning the Scorchers will chase down a total to try and win their sixth title.
Sydney has picked the same team that defeated Hobart Hurricanes on Friday night to qualify for the final.
Perth had weighed up picking specialist finisher Nick Hobson as extra batting insurance, while Paris had tried several times this week in an effort to prove his fitness after he suffered a groin injury on January 7.
A downpour of rain plagued the build-up to the clash, with the hessian covers still on the Optus Stadium wicket at the toss.
Mystery surrounds the condition of the pitch, with the Scorchers’ highest total at the ground this season 153. The centre wicket is being used in Sunday’s final for the first time since the Perth Test in November.
It is the sixth time the league’s two powerhouse clubs have met in a final, with the Scorchers winning three of those matches.
More to come.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/perth-scorchers/big-bash-league-perth-scorchers-leave-out-joel-paris-and-will-bowl-first-in-final-with-sydney-sixers-c-21417899
