Perth Scorchers captain Marcus North is delighted to participate at the 2012 Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa after being forced to miss the event four years ago.
Known as the Western Warriors before the introduction of the Big Bash League, the team was set to compete at tournament in 2008 before terrorist attacks rocked Mumbai.
After finishing runners-up to the Sydney Sixers in the 2011 Big Bash League, where they lost by seven wickets, the Scorchers finally have the chance to test themselves against the world's best, starting with the Titans on Saturday.
"It's taken us a few years to requalify but there was a few guys that were involved in that so it's nice to be finally here and playing in this great tournament," said North.
"The guys are excited to play in an international tournament.
"We are coming up against the best domestic sides in world cricket so to be part of that is pretty special.
"And there is certainly a great incentive at the end of the tournament if you do manage to win it."
The Scorchers earned direct entry to the event, while a number of teams had to progress through qualification games.
And while they may be lacking in match time, North is confident the team, which boasts the likes of Herschelle Gibbs and Paul Collingwood, will be more than prepared ahead of their opening fixture.
"I think if you're playing and winning it certainly helps as a side," the 33-year-old said, who recorded centuries on both his Test and Ashes debuts.
"A few teams will have that opportunity but our preparation will be very good.
"We have a week to prepare before our first game on Saturday so we will hit the ground running and I'm pretty sure that won't matter when it comes down to the final stages of the tournament."
First Posted 08 October, 2012 3:32PM AEST
