Perth Scorchers skipper Sophie Devine says side's resilience holds them in good stead in top-placed battle

Perth Scorchers skipper Sophie Devine says the resilience her side showed to bounce back from a Hurricanes pounding to dish out their own thumping against the top-placed Thunder will set them up for a strong finish.

The Scorchers sit third on net run rate but have the chance to put themselves atop the table with another crunch clash against the Thunder at the MCG.

“The SCG game was a bit of a stinker for us, but to bounce back the way we did against the Thunder, who were sitting top of the table, we knew it was going to be a really important game, so for us to show that resilience was really important and I’m really proud,” Devine told The West Australian.

“And it’s hopefully set us up for another couple of wins.

“You do (take confidence), but you’re also really aware it’s a new game, a new day and a new pitch as well.

“So, it is about taking what we learned from the other day and what areas we did well but also what areas we can work on and take that forward because in this competition, you’ve got to continually grow and evolve.

“We know they are going to be a real challenge; they have strengths throughout their batting and bowling line-ups, so again, it’s going to be a great clash at the ‘G.

“Our bowling unit has been fantastic all season, but they know the Hurricanes was certainly an off day, and we didn’t speak too much about it because it was clear where we missed.

“To be able to bounce back against a Thunder side that has got quality players throughout and play the way that we can (is gratifying).”

The Scorchers and Thunder clash will be the first of a doubleheader held at the historic MCG before a Melbourne derby.

And Devine said the team would embrace the significance of taking to the hallowed turf of Australia’s spiritual home of sport.

“It’s huge. You don’t get the opportunity every day to go play on the MCG, and a lot of players haven’t played there before,” she said.

“Training is important for us to just soak it in a little bit and take in the quirks of playing in one of the biggest stadiums in Australia.

“We’ll make sure we really enjoy that, and I think it’s awesome for the competition for the WBBL to be able to be part of stadium series, and it’s certainly the next step of the evolution of this competition.”