The Perth Scorchers' hopes of topping the Big Bash League ladder have been boosted by paceman Jhye Richardson's release from national duties for Thursday night's crunch game against the Adelaide Strikers.
Australian selectors allowed Richardson to fly to Perth on Wednesday to play the match between the second-placed Scorchers and top-placed Strikers before re-joining the national squad on Saturday.
Thursday night's winner will finish in top spot and a shot at a home grand final.
Perth and Adelaide are assured of home semi-finals but the higher-ranked team will host the final, should both outfits make it.
Richardson, 21, starred for the Scorchers before being drafted into Australia's one-day squad - he made his ODI debut last week - and was named in Australia's Test squad for next month's tour of South Africa.
Adelaide's acting captain Colin Ingram says Richardson poses a significant threat to his side's batsmen.
"He's an exciting young cricketer and he bowls with really good pace and accuracy," Ingram told reporters on Wednesday in Perth.
"It would be nice to put him under some pressure tomorrow night.
"We have seen through the tournament they (Perth) have a good pace attack and they like to try and get wickets up front.
"It will be a great challenge for us.
"We have had some really nice starts over the last couple of weeks so we'll hopefully get in there and put them under some pressure."
Ingram will lead the Strikers in the absence of regular skipper Travis Head, who has returned to Australia's ODI squad.
The Scorchers have confirmed they will again be without Test batsman Shaun Marsh, as he recovers from a right quad injury.
However, Perth remain hopeful he will be fit to play in next week's semi-final.
"Whilst Shaun was very close to returning for the BBL match tomorrow, we are aware of the bigger picture and want to make sure he has fully recovered from injury to ensure his preparations for the Qantas Tour of South Africa are not affected," medico Nick Jones said.
"We expect Shaun's injury to improve further over the coming week to be ready to return for the BBL semi-final."
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