Free-swinging SoS back with a bang

Being granted permission to launch thanks to the need for a speedy run chase proved to be exactly what Shaun Marsh needed to turn his KFC Big Bash form around on Saturday.

The Scorchers batsman was averaging 11.16 from six BBL|06 innings heading into the match at Blundstone Arena, but looked a different player altogether as he took apart the Hobart Hurricanes attack in a stunning display.

Quick Single: Sizzling Scorchers secure home final

The Scorchers needed to chase the Hurricanes’ 6-134 in under 15.4 overs to move ahead of the Brisbane Heat on the table and cement a home semi-final, leaving little room for hesitation.

Having produced scores of 8, 7, 4, 32, 8, 8 since recovering from a broken finger and returning to the Perth XI on December 27, it proved to be exactly the situation Marsh needed to find his groove ahead of the BBL semi-finals and next month’s Qantas tour of India, as he blazed his way to a half-century off just 29 deliveries before eventually being caught behind for 57 off 34.

“I’ve been hitting the ball well in the nets during the last week or so,” Marsh said after play.

“(Coach) Justin Langer said to go out there and just hit the ball.

“I’ve probably been a bit hesitant in trying to get myself in, but today I just had the mindset to hit the ball hard and it worked out well.

“I’ll continue to do that from now on.”

While Marsh is part of the touring party for next month’s four-Test tour of India, he said the anticipation of that series had not been weighing on his mind as he searched for runs in BBL|06.

“Not really, my sole focus has been on playing well for the Scorchers," he added.

“Unfortunately before this game I’ve been ordinary, but it was nice to get runs today.

“Next game I’ll go in with more freedom and hopefully get more runs again.”

Quick Single: Ashton's boundary effort a match-turner

A switch-up in the batting order also worked in Marsh’s favour, as he dropped down to No.3 while Sam Whiteman joined Michael Klinger at the top of the order.

“We just thought we’d change that around and it worked pretty well.

“Whiteman is in pretty good nick and I was happy to drop down to three. It takes a different mindset, but I enjoyed it.”

Marsh’s knock ensured the Scorchers reached their target with 11 balls to spare, setting up a home semi-final (can add in date/opponent depending when pubbed).

“We’re super excited to go home and play in front of a home crowd again," he said.

“Our batting has been pretty poor for the last couple games so it was nice to get out as a batting group and book ourselves a home final.

“I thought our bowlers did a fantastic job to restrict the Hurricanes to 130 and it gave (the batsmen) a real opportunity to take the game on.”