The faltering Sydney Thunder will be boosted by the return of in-form batsman Usman Khawaja and possibly also Michael Hussey for Monday's critical Big Bash League T20 cricket clash with Melbourne Renegades.
Khawaja, who scored an unbeaten 109 off 70 balls in his only BBL game this season, has been named in the squad along with captain Hussey, who missed their last game with a hamstring issue.
Hussey, who leads Thunder's run-scorers this season with 223 at at an average of 74.3, has passed his latest fitness test and said on Saturday he would push hard to play against the Renegades.
The Thunder's medical staff will make a final decision on Monday morning on whether he plays.
Sandwiched either side of Khawaja's one BBL game this season were three Tests in which he amassed successive scores of 174, 9(no), 121, 144 and 56, though he didn't get the opportunity to bat in last week's rain ravaged Sydney Test.
"His form this summer has just been incredible," Hussey said on Saturday.
Renegades' paceman Nathan Rimmington has recovered from injury and replaces spinner Nathan Hauritz in the squad which was chosen for Saturday's Melbourne derby.
The Renegades face a must-win situation at Spotless Stadium on Monday if they want to stay in the finals hunt.
Renegades have lost four of their last five matches after commencing the tournament with a win.
After starting with three straight wins, Thunder have suffered just as many consecutive losses.
"We want to turn that around pretty quickly and get some momentum," Hussey said.
"If we can turn it around and get some momentum we'll be in good shape coming into the finals.
"It's important as a team and as a support staff that we don't panic.
"We know we're playing pretty good cricket. If we keep believing in ourselves and keep backing each other, hopefully we can pull out a big result which will give us a lot more confidence for the last game against the Sixers."
Provided the back of veteran allrounder Jacques Kaliis doesn't flare up again, Thunder could field him, Hussey, Khawaja, Shane Watson and Andre Russell together for just the second time this season.
Renegades won't be short of batting firepower either, with Cameron White and West Indies duo Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo all named in their squad.
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