Scorchers hopeful of Richardson boost for finals

The Perth Scorchers could be boosted by the return of Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris for the start of their KFC BBL finals series, but Ashton Agar's campaign is over.

Richardson is in the final stages of his recovery from a hamstring injury, while Morris missed Sunday's 10-run win over the Melbourne Renegades due to illness.

The Scorchers locked up top spot with their win over the Renegades, meaning they will host the second-placed Sydney Sixers in 'The Qualifier' at Perth Stadium on Saturday. The winner of that match will secure direct entry into the grand final.

Richardson hasn't been given the green light to return to playing duties just yet, but Voges hopes that will happen this week.

"We're all really hopeful he'll be available for Saturday. He's still got some things to do to prove his fitness," Voges said.

"Once he is declared fit, then I've got no issues with bringing him back in. But he's still got a bit to do."

Richardson had last week said he was "ahead of schedule" after a hamstring injury in Perth's January 4 defeat to the Sydney Thunder at home. 

Agar has been a key cog in the Scorchers' charge to top spot, but his selection in the upcoming Test tour of India means he is unavailable for the BBL finals.

Given that situation, Agar was left out of the XI against the Renegades in order to give 19-year-old spinner Cooper Connolly vital experience. 

Connolly didn't end up bowling, with skipper Ashton Turner (2-25) taking on the bulk of the spin duties.

"Once we got confirmation that Ash wasn't going to be available for our final here on Saturday, we felt now was the opportunity for him to start his prep for the Test tour," Voges said.

"We wouldn't have done that without his blessing.

"I fully understand how important this upcoming tour of India is for him and him wanting to get the best possible preparation."

Fellow spinner Peter Hatzoglou was a surprise omission against the Renegades, but he came in as the concussion sub after paceman Matt Kelly was struck in the face with the ball during a freak fielding mishap.

Even if Kelly is able to recover in time for the start of the finals, he faces a fight to retain his place given the impending returns of Morris and Richardson.

The Scorchers' ability to finish top of the ladder is all the more remarkable given they lost Mitch Marsh (ankle), Tymal Mills (personal reasons), Phil Salt (shoulder), Cameron Green (broken finger), and Laurie Evans (positive doping result) for the entire tournament.

"Proud is a really good word," Voges said of his team's ability to overcome all the setbacks.

"To be honest, going in, I wasn't entirely sure how we were going to go.

"But we've had guys step up, we've had guys contribute in different games."