BURNING DESIRE TO SINK THE SIXERS

A WEEK ago the Scorchers’ Andrew Tye denied James Vince a fairytale century for the Sixers with a controversial last-ball wide.

Vince was sitting on 98, with the Sixers needing just one run off 21 balls to win last week’s qualifier at Manuka Oval.

But Tye’s final delivery — intentionally or not — soared above the bewildered batsman’s head and it was all over, with Vince stranded two short of what would have been the first BBL century in the Sixers’ 10-year history.

Tonight Sydney and Perth will face off in a BBL final for an astounding fourth time and the dust has largely settled since Tye’s controversial play.

But surely it has added fuel to their fiery rivalry?

“I’ll say yes, so you can write about it and create some hype,” Scorchers skipper Ashton Turner said.

“But there’s so many factors that come into creating tension in a game. There’s probably no more motivation than being able to lift the trophy.

“Anyone who knows AJ Tye knows that he plays the game in the best spirit. That was an unfortunate end to the game … I hope it didn’t take away or detract from how well James Vince played on that night.”

Turner said that his side has moved on and are ready for another exciting showdown.

“To watch AJ bowl (against Brisbane Heat), he’s back to his best, he bowled brilliantly. “We’ve certainly taken lessons out of losing to the Sixers at

Manuka a couple of nights ago, hopefully we can make some changes in the big game” Turner said.

The Scorchers are high on confidence after thumping Brisbane by 49-runs without their formidable opener Jason Roy, who withdrew late due to an ankle problem.

Former Australian Test batsman Cameron Bancroft had no issues stepping up in Roy’s absence and anchored the win with an unbeaten 58.

Medical staff are yet to make a call on Roy’s match fitness.