The Adelaide Strikers are bullish about the prospects of international opener Mahela Jayawardene returning for their Big Bash League semi-final.
The Strikers host Sydney Thunder on Thursday night and expect Sri Lankan Jayawardene to return from a thigh strain which sidelined him the past two matches.
"Obviously Mahela is a class player so it will be great to have him back and hopefully he can continue the form he had before he got injured," Adelaide wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman told reporters on Tuesday.
The Thunder were the only side to defeat Adelaide in minor round games but Ludeman expected the Strikers' home ground advantage to be a vital factor in the semi-final.
"We had a semi last year and it was amazing with 50,000 people turning up so hopefully we can get that again," he said.
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"The wicket here, we play really well at home. They (Thunder) play their conditions really well and I think probably their strengths might be a bit weaker at our venue hopefully.
"With their pace attack the quicker, bouncier wickets suit them a bit more so Adelaide Oval, hopefully that can play in our favour."
