The Scorchers have a date with the Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium tomorrow night, kicking off their postseason campaign in a qualifying final with the opportunity to go straight to the grand final if they take away the win.

Fans have a lot to look forward to in this heated clash, with the teams previously meeting five times in BBL grand finals – the Scorchers holding a 3-2 lead over their rivals.

Perth claimed a presiding victory over the Stars on Saturday night to claim the top spot, defeating Melbourne by six wickets with 19 balls remaining.

Finn Allen once again knocked up a sufficient score, hitting 69 off 39, but it was Jhye Richardson this time who took out player of the match, bowling 4/16 off just over three overs.

SportFM spoke to Scorchers Assistant Coach Beau Casson this morning ahead of their finals clash against the Sixers.

“As a coach and as a support staff and group we were really pleased with how we got challenged against the Stars,” he said.

“Finn Allen was obviously on one and playing beautifully, but then Aaron was able to sort of throw a punch himself after Finn got out to be able to maintain the scoring rate.”

Young spinner Luke Holt has provided value to the Scorchers in the absence of Ashton Agar and Joel Paris, upholding the importance and proving the value of spin in a T20 side.

“Spin has been playing such a key role in the shorter formats, which is quite fascinating. When it first came out everyone said it was going to be the death of Spin bowling.”

“He’s worked incredibly hard and the great thing about it is it’s a reward for performance. He’s been banging on the door for a number of seasons.

“Let’s be fair, there’s probably not too many times where at Burrendah he’s played in front of over 48,000 people. So his ability to be able to cope with those emotions, play the game, and be able to execute is something we’re pleased with.”

Casson says it is important they make the right decision in terms of selecting players returning from injury heading into finals, especially with the momentum the current XI have going for them.

Ashton Agar and Joel Paris remain on the sidelines at the moment, but the coach is hopeful they are close to making it back into the side.

“Fingers crossed to them because they’re an integral part of our list, our side, our group, but the great thing about it is they’ve both been around when we’re playing at home… Joel’s trying to help Mahli Beardman out with his bowling and then vice versa with Luke Holt and Cooper Connolly, Ashton’s there to try and provide some guidance and mentor those players through the big bash campaign.”

After a strong start to the season, Cooper Connolly has seen less impact with the bat in the shadow of teammates like Finn Allen in the past few games, but his ability to still hit the scoreboard with the ball is something the Scorchers praise him for.

“I think over his career, it’s only been very short thus far, but the ability to be able to impact with both bat and ball, this is the first year he’s been able to do that in terms of bowing a lot more overs,” he said.

“His big score is only around the corner and he’s a lad that loves playing in front of the crowd. I’m sure this next game against the Sixers will be one where he turns the corner.”

The Sixers are a familiar opponent for the Scorchers at the business end of the tournament, and preparation will be key to success tomorrow night.

While Sam Curran departs the team for English cricket commitments, the return of Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc from the Ashes has added test talent to Sydney’s T20 side.

Casson is confident the test greats won’t waiver the Scorchers’ spirits, with history showing that BBL success comes in swings and roundabouts and is credit of a team effort rather than individual superstars.

“I think the rivalry will go to another level again which is wonderful for the competition,” he said.

“Starc last night showed the skill with the new ball and what he was able to do, but we can throw a few punches ourselves, our lads are playing really good cricket”

“The confidence I could take is Payney bowled really well at him [Smith] a couple of years ago when we played the Sixers at Optus Stadium, I think he got him caught and bowled… But also, he made 100 against us last year at the SCG… So, the nature of T20 is the opportunities are going to present, we’ve obviously just got to be ready to grab a hold of it.”

The highly anticipated clash kicks off tomorrow night at 4:30pm, with the winner advancing straight to the grand final and the loser given a second chance.

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