Perth's heat and a dry WACA surface could play into the hands of the visiting Sydney Sixers in Saturday's BBL final, according to spinner Johan Botha.
A number of batsmen were caught in front of the wicket in Tuesday's semi final between Perth and the Melbourne Stars, suggesting the wicket lacked a little pace.
Presenting a further challenge for the WACA ground staff is the fact temperatures have been forecast to hit the high 30s.
"It will be a testing time for (the groundsman)," Botha said ahead of their clash with the Scorchers.
"Does he put enough water, does he put too little water in it and it stays pretty slow."
The slow nature of the wicket caught the eye of a number of observers, most notably Mark Waugh in commentary amid his fears it could remain slow for the final.
However that's not something Botha would have any issue with.
"From our point of view a slower wicket is always better," Botha said.
"We can use our spinners a little bit more and we know that they play pace on a bouncy wicket really well."
Botha has been one of the Sixers' most economical bowlers this summer, going at less than 7.5 an overs in his nine matches.
Meanwhile fellow-tweaker Nathan Lyon was the Sixers' best with the ball in their semi-final super over win against Brisbane at the Gabba on Wednesday, claiming 4-21.
The Australian Test bowler ripped through the Heat's top order, setting up what should have been a much more comfortable win for the visitors before a collapse of their own sent the match into a super over.
"He was brilliant," Botha said.
"To get another four-fa was exceptional. He's bowling beautifully at the moment and he is great to have in our team."
