Behrendorff back for BBL|06 decider

The Perth Scorchers could have a huge addition to their side for tomorrow’s KFC Big Bash League final with spearhead Jason Behrendorff named in their 13-man squad for the decider.

The Scorchers welcome back Behrendorff for potentially his first appearance of BBL|06, with Cameron Bancroft also returning to the squad for their clash with the Sydney Sixers in Perth.

Shaun Marsh, who’s been named in Australia’s one-day international squad for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series across the ditch, and Cameron Valente make way for the duo.

The Sixers have made one change to their 13-man squad for the final, with fast-bowler Henry Thornton coming in to replace Kiwi Colin Munro.

The powerful left-hander, who signed on as a replacement player for England’s Sam Billings earlier in the tournament, is in New Zealand’s squad to meet Australia in the upcoming ODI series, which begins on Monday.

He had always been scheduled to fly home following the BBL|06 semi-finals, with New Zealand Cricket regulations not permitting international travel the day before a match.

Behrendorff hasn’t played a game for the Scorchers this summer after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left fibula in late November last year.

The towering left-armer’s last competitive hit out was for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, where he was limited to just 12 overs against Queensland before injury forced him from the field.

However, Langer confirmed on Thursday the 26-year-old had returned to bowling and was ready to step up against the Sydney Sixers on Saturday if required. 

"Jason Behrendorff will be considered as well which is really exciting for us,” Langer said.  "He’s been one of our best T20 bowlers and he’s one of the best in Australia.

Asked whether it would be a risk bringing Behrendorff in for the final with no cricket under his belt, Langer said: “It’s a huge risk, there’s no doubt about it. 

"But he’s the consummate professional and if you saw him bowl in the nets a little while ago, he looks really strong.

"In most circumstances you wouldn’t risk it. 

"He hasn’t played for a while but I’d back him any day of the week."

Behrendorff’s return means Valente, an injury replacement player, drops out of the Scorchers’ 18-man playing roster.

Scorchers squad: Adam Voges (c), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Hilton Cartwright, Michael Klinger, Mitchell Johnson, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman.

Sixers squad: Moises Henriques, Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Doug Bollinger, Johan Botha, Ben Dwarshuis, Brad Haddin, Daniel Hughes, Michael Lumb, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Jordan Silk, Henry Thornton.