'Special' Ferguson set for JLT Cup eliminator

A rejuvenated Callum Ferguson is set to spearhead the West End Redbacks against the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers in the JLT One-Day Cup elimination final, boosted by the return of several Australia limited-overs stars.

A spot in this weekend's final against Western Australia goes on the line in Thursday's match at Blundstone Arena, the same ground where Ferguson played his sole Test almost a year ago against South Africa.

But after a much-publicised dropping and subsequent form dip, the 32-year-old is back in the runs.

Ferguson blasted a one-day career-high 169, including 23 fours, in a thrilling five-run win over WA last weekend to help South Australia into second place.

He's scored 316 runs at an average of 52.66 for the tournament.

"He's a special player and a lot of us are saying that's the best we've seen Callum bat," Redbacks coach Jamie Siddons said.

"He's in great form. Batting at number three is a very important spot."

South Australia and third-placed Victoria will be playing for the right to face top seed Western Australia on Saturday, and there could be as many as six returning Australia players featuring in Thursday's elimination final.

Ferguson has skippered the side in the absence of Travis Head, but will relinquish the reins to the allrounder, who returns from Australia's limited-overs tour of India.

Head is joined in a 14-man SA squad by fellow Australian players Kane Richardson and leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

"A bit of class in our attack will help us a lot," Siddons said, adding he would have some welcome selection headaches.

Bushrangers coach Andrew McDonald has tough selection calls of his own, with internationals Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell and Dan Christian named in Victoria's squad.

Heavy-hitter Cameron White is in line to return after missing his side's controversial Duckworth-Lewis-Stern win over NSW due to injury.

The match was called off due to a dangerous North Sydney Oval pitch, prompting a Cricket Australia investigation.

"The squad has been brilliant so far this tournament to get us to this point," McDonald told the Bushrangers website.

"Hopefully, with the return of our Australian representatives, we can go a step further."

Injured SA quick Daniel Worrall has travelled to Tasmania and could make a comeback from a knee problem.

The Alcohol.Think Again Western Warriors already welcomed back Andrew Tye from Australia's T20 side in the nine-wicket win against the CA XI, and they could also add in-form Ashes hopefuls Nathan Coulter-Nile, Marcus Stonis and Jason Behrendorff for the JLT Cup final.

The JLT Cup finals will be streamed exclusively live and free on cricket.com.au, the CA Live app or via Apple TV (Gen 4).