Perth forecast for 39-degree heat for Big Bash League Qualifier

“I think he just needs to have confidence. The successes will come,” Richardson said.

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“He’s too good not to get a few points. He just needs to be confident and back himself.”

“And I think Coops needs to remember that he still impacts the game for us.

“I know he’s not getting the runs he wants but he still has a really big impact (with the ball).”

The Scorchers (7-3) still finished top of the standings despite Connolly’s batting struggles; The likes of Finn Allen, Mitch Marsh, Aaron Hardie and Ashton Turner have all scored match-winning hits this season.

Josh Inglis and Laurie Evans are also part of arguably the strongest batting line-up in the league.

Connolly is confident the runs will flow for him soon.

“Three weeks ago I was hitting them nicely and I still feel like I’m hitting the ball nicely,” said Connolly, who was the BBL joint player of the season alongside Glenn Maxwell last season.

“It’s just a game of T20 cricket; sometimes you go out and get a few low scores.

“I’m looking forward to Tuesday and hopefully I can put on a show.”

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The maximum temperature for Perth is expected to be 39 degrees, meaning sweltering conditions will greet players when the match kicks off at 16.30 local time.

The Sixers could have missed out on the finals if they had lost to Brisbane at the Gabba, but their five-wicket win lifted them into second place.

Star Test duo Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc look key to the Sixers’ title hopes.

Smith has failed to hit scores of 54, 100 and 19 since completing his Ashes duties, while Starc took 4-35 against the Heat on Monday night.

The winner of the Scorchers-Sixers match will qualify directly for Sunday’s grand final, while the loser will host a must-win ‘Challenger’ match against Hobart or Melbourne Stars on Friday.

The Hurricanes and Stars lock horns in a ‘Knockout’ clash at Bellerive Oval on Wednesday night.

AAP

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