Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers to remain at full strength throughout finals campaign

Perth Scorchers will be at full strength for their Big Bash finals campaign, with national selector George Bailey confirming all of the players set to play for Australia at the T20 World Cup will see out the season.

The Scorchers have three players in Australia’s squad, with Mitch Marsh set to captain, and Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly also expected to play vital roles.

The West Australian revealed last week the Scorchers were expecting the trio to remain available, with the news made official on Monday.

Kiwi import Finn Allen is also set to be available all the way to Sunday’s decider, should the five-time champions make it that far, as he is a part of New Zealand’s World Cup team.

Perth have taken an unchanged team into the Qualifier final with arch-rivals Sydney Sixers, young gun Luke Holt retaining his spot.

A 17-man Aussie squad will head to Pakistan on January 24 for three lead-in T20s in Lahore before the World Cup gets underway from February 7, with Australia starting their title pursuit against Ireland on February 11.

However, Bailey said the national set-up was content with those games featuring different players, with members of the squad to stay in Australia should their franchise make the Big Bash grand final on January 25, which could be held in Perth if the Scorchers take down the Sixers on Tuesday.

“It’s pretty fluid. It’ll depend on probably who’s there - who’s playing in that final,” he said on Monday as the squad for the Pakistan series was announced.

“The majority of the group leave on the 24th, and then as players start to finish up the rest of their BBL campaigns, they’ll jump on some different flights.

“We’re pretty open to the fact - mainly Game 1 in Pakistan - that it might have a bit of a different look.”

Mahli Beardman was named in the squad for Pakistan despite not being selected for the World Cup but won’t fly out until after the Big Bash finishes.

The same goes for Sixers all-rounder Jack Edwards.

Hobart Hurricanes quick Nathan Ellis is being rested from the series in Lahore, but will play for the reigning champions if they make it to the decider to defend their crown.

However, Tim David will not be fit in time and will head to Pakistan to prepare for the World Cup.

Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell will also stay in Australia if Melbourne Stars get a crack at the maiden title.