Nic Maddinson says his Sydney Sixers teammate Mitchell Starc is primed to finally make his return to elite cricket after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of the back in September.
Starc last played in the controversial drawn fifth Test at The Oval in late August and is set for a comeback in the Sixers' Big Bash League semi-final against the Perth Scorchers at the SCG on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old Starc is in Australia's Twenty20 squad and could play in Sunday's third match against England on Sunday but he will definitely play for the Sixers as they chase down a vital Champions League spot.
"Mitch is going well; he is looking good for his return," Maddinson said on Thursday.
"We have had a few centre wicket practice sessions and the odd net session and he has been impressive.
"He is bowling well, he is bowling quick and he is swinging the ball so hopefully he is going to be out on the park really soon because he looks ready."
Scorchers quick Pat Cummins is another on the comeback trail after finally returning in their win over the Adelaide Strikers last week.
"That will be interesting," Maddinson said.
"I faced him a year ago and he shattered one of my bats ... he didn't like a late cut I hit off him so he decided to ramp it up again.
"Hopefully he is not back to that pace but I think his pace is a big asset for Perth.
"Anyone of his calibre coming back into their side is a massive plus for them."
Perth beat Sydney in the competition's first 'super over' at the SCG during the regular rounds and Maddinson said the Sixers were keen for revenge with the added lure of a Champions League spot on the line for both BBL finalists.
"This is a massive game for us. If we can win that, getting to play overseas in that Champions League is a real test.
"So that is where we would like to get to but first we have Wednesday's game and hopefully a final after that," Maddinson said.
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