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Big Bash League: Injured Laurie Evans ruled out as star Perth Scorchers trio return against Brisbane

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Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Australian quartet Mitch Swepson, Michael Neser, Mitch Marsh and Josh Inglis at Hobart Airport ahead of their charter flight to Melbourne.
Camera IconAustralian quartet Mitch Swepson, Michael Neser, Mitch Marsh and Josh Inglis at Hobart Airport ahead of their charter flight to Melbourne. Credit: Mitch Swepson/Instagram

Perth Scorchers welcomed back three of their big guns on the eve of Monday night’s clash against Brisbane Heat at Marvel Stadium.

Released Australian Ashes squad members Mitch Marsh and Josh Inglis flew in on a charter plane from Hobart and New Zealand import Colin Munro returned from a week of COVID isolation in Coffs Harbour for training in Melbourne on Sunday night.

All three were named in the Scorchers’ 14-player squad and could slot into the top four as the team chases a minor premiership-sealing 11th victory of the tournament.

It comes as English import Laurie Evans has been ruled out of the match with a broken toe sustained while batting in Friday’s loss to Adelaide, while allrounder Ashton Agar is in doubt with a shoulder injury.

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14: Laurie Evans of the Scorchers out for 39 during the Men's Big Bash League match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Perth Scorchers at Adelaide Oval, on January 14, 2022, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Camera IconScans confirmed Laurie Evans broke his toe in the loss to Adelaide. Credit: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Marsh and Inglis haven’t featured in the Big Bash since the Scorchers’ loss to Sydney Thunder in Canberra on December 28, while Munro has missed the last three games after returning a positive PCR test.

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Heat pair Michael Neser and Mitch Swepson were also on the private Hobart-to-Melbourne flight, touching down in time to play for the Heat against Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Sunday night after also being relieved of Test squad duties.

The availability of Marsh and Inglis has been a constant talking point since they were flown to Sydney as cover for COVID-hit Australian middle-order batter Travis Head on New Year’s Eve.

Neither got a look-in for the final XI at the SCG nor the final Test in Hobart, restricted to carrying the drinks.

As late as Saturday, Scorchers coach Adam Voges still wasn’t certain he would get his players back.

“Once they get on the plane tomorrow I’ll be a lot happier,” Voges said on Saturday.

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