Big Bash League: The series of events Perth Scorchers need to happen to keep their finals hopes alive

Perth Scorchers have their fingers crossed that an unlikely series of results in other matches this week could keep their hopes of a miracle finals berth alive before their clash with Adelaide Strikers on Saturday night. White-ball megastar Mitch Marsh has not yet been ruled out of the clash, but did not train with the group at Optus Stadium on Thursday as he continues to rest after a gruelling Test summer. The West Australian understands emerging all-rounder Cooper Connolly will play before flying out for Australia’s training camp in Dubai on Sunday. The Scorchers’ very slim hopes of sneaking into the top four have been boosted in the past two days. They need Hobart Hurricanes to go through the remainder of the season unbeaten, which began well with their win over Melbourne Renegades on Tuesday night. Perth has the power-hitting of Hayden Kerr in the Sydney Sixers’ clutch win over Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday night to thank for extending their hopes another day. The Scorchers then need the Hurricanes to continue their winning run in Thursday night’s clash with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne’s Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. On Saturday afternoon, immediately before the Scorchers take to Optus Stadium, they will need the Renegades to beat the Heat, but not by enough of a margin to jump Perth’s net run-rate. If Perth then beat Adelaide on Saturday night, they will still need the Hurricanes to round out their season and go 9-1 with a win over Melbourne Stars on Sunday. Teenage paceman Mahli Beardman, who debuted for the Scorchers against Sydney Thunder on Monday night, said players were across what was going on around them, but weren’t letting it distract from their preparation. Beardman is in line to play his second match for the club on Saturday. “I think we are very aware of what’s going on around us, but I think it’s just focusing on the game, focusing on preparing as usual and then going out and trying to get the result,” he said.