The Adelaide Strikers have made two changes to the 13-man squad for tomorrow's do-or-die clash with the Perth Scorchers at Adelaide Oval.
Australian Test spinner, Nathan Lyon returns to the bowling arsenal while Travis Head makes his Striker debut.
Currently in fourth spot on the ladder, a win will see the Strikers host a BIG semi-final next Wednesday, 16 January at Adelaide Oval.
A loss will mean the Strikers rely on the Brisbane Heat defeating the Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday night to qualify for an away semi-final.
"The most positive thing is, as it was against the Hurricanes, destiny is in our own hands,” said coach Darren Berry.
“We’re coming off a great win and it was a clinical performance from the group, so we take a lot of confidence into Thursday night.
“Polly is obviously a loss, but we have always known he had national duties to return to and with Klinger, Ludeman and Reardon in our line-up we have been proven performers and of course, Lyon makes a welcome return.
“Head, 18, is an aggressive left-handed batsman, he has performed for the Redbacks in this year’s Shield competition and has played for the Australian U19 team that reached the final of this year’s World Cup against India.
KFC T20 Big Bash League
Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers
Adelaide Oval, 10 January 2013
Strikers 13-man squad:
1. Botha (c)
2. Boyce
3. Doropoulos
4. Ferguson
5. Head
6. Klinger
7. Ludeman
8. Lyon
9. Neser
10. Reardon
11. Richardson
12. Tait
13. Young
In: Head, Lyon
Out: Johnston (selection decision), Pollard (national duties)