High-profile import Faf du Plessis will launch the Perth Scorchers’ BBL title defence after the hosts opted to bat towards the Sydney Sixers in Perth.
Saturday’s recreation at Optus Stadium is a rematch of final season’s remaining and the primary outing of the summer season for the Scorchers.
Former South Africa captain Du Plessis will open the batting alongside fellow abroad recruit and ex-England worldwide Adam Lyth.
Du Plessis was one among a number of alternative signings with England seamer Tymal Mills unavailable as a result of a household emergency and compatriot Laurie Evans axed after testing optimistic to a banned substance.
The Sixers have swung two adjustments after Wednesday’s 51-run loss to the Adelaide Strikers, naming Jackson Bird and Afghanistan fast Naveen-ul-Haq Murid instead of Steve O’Keefe and Ben Dwarshuis.
TEAMS
Perth Scorchers XI: Faf du Plessis, Adam Lyth, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis (wk), Ashton Turner (c), Aaron Hardie, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Matt Kelly, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff
Sydney Sixers XI: Josh Philippe (wk), Kurtis Patterson, James Vince, Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Naveen-ul-Haq Murid, Izharulhaq Naveed
