Innings break So an hour-long delay has ended the Scorchers innings. The sun is out the ground is clear and the Thunder need 96 off 12 overs to have nay hope of playing finals.

4.42pm The Thunder need 96 to win off 12 overs.

4.35pm - The umpires are saying to the captains they will start in about 20 minutes at 4.55pm.

The Scorchers innings has ended. The Thunder will have a 12-over chase. We think the chase will be 96.

The covers are coming off. There was a lot of water on them that has spilled onto the side of the square but the surface looks fine and that should drain quickly.

4.32pm The rain has stopped and the sun is out.

Matt: "Ground staff heading back out now as are the umpy's. Outfield still looks in pristine condition. Hopefully won't be too long until we are underway." Thanks Matt.

Mitch Marsh on Seven: "We thought 140-150 was a good score and we were on track but unfortunately the rain came. We'll see what happens. The pitch was just a bit slow."

4.25pm It's still raining heavily. Although the sun is out. It should stop shortly. Max: "Me again; some serious rain falling here. Sun shining through although both sport's field's of play will need considerable remediation before play will resume. " Thanks Max.

Zaheer Abbas: "Hi Alex! If there was rain in radar then the decision of batting 1st after winning the toss is not looking good. What would be the strategy behind this?" It was unknown if the rain would pass the ground. The surface was so slow they clearly decided not to gamble on the rain.

GK: "Two seasons in a row the Thunder has had some misfortune in making the finals. Last year the heat flicked off the lights, this year smoke, super overs and rain have then outside the finals. Of course they'll still more so rue some poor efforts in key matches. "

Blake: "Can someone give the combinations if this match is washed out?" We should get back on Blake. But if it was a wash out, the teams would get a point each and the Scorchers would almost definitely play finals unless the Hurricanes had a huge win over the Strikers and the Heat beat the Renegades. The Thunder would miss out unless the Hurricanes lost and the Heat suffered a heavy loss that did big damage to their NRR.

4.15pm Serious rain now. No update at the moment.

Alan: "While it's raining can you please enlighten me as to why the ground staff don't cut markings into the crease corresponding to the 3 stumps so the batsman can take guard without the umpire's help?" Good question Alan. At club level they sometimes do or paint a tiny mark. But it may be due to ICC rules in terms of how surface is to be presented untouched prior to play.

4.10pm Still raining. This rain cell will pass. There is nothing behind it on the radar. We should get more cricket for those concerned about a washout. It will likely just be a reduced game. It is raining very hard right now. If we don't get back on by 4.40pm then that will be the innings closed.

Cam: "Casually hoping this thunderstorm is bigger than they think. Scorchers only need 1 point and they will be locked into finals (unless Hobart slaughter Strikers today)"

3.55pm Rain delay The covers are coming on. There is storm cell nearby on the radar. The ground staff are bringing the covers out before it gets heavier.

Jake: "We have played in worse and not put big covers on at about 4 points this season. What is going on with this competition?" They're worried about the heavy stuff rolling in quickly.

Andrew Bansal: "What happens to the two teams' NRR in case of a washout? Does it remain unchanged?" Each team would get 1 point and I believe the NRR is unchanged.

The players are heading off as rain starts to fall.

Max: "Am just across the park watching Pro League Hockey and we've just been called off for the thunder storm about to pass overhead. Expect the cricket to have a delay soon I'd say " Thanks for the update Max

Lights are on as there is a dark cloud looming

Chris Tremain

Sameer Parikh: "140-150 by Scorchers today and its a game on!!! Fawad Ahmed, Agar, Morkel, Richardson! Bring it on! These 2 at the crease need to dig it out! "

Harry: "This is sensible batting by Scorchers. They just need a boundary an over and to rotate the strike"

Jono Cook

Sameer Parikh: "Tim David played 4 balls and he is placing em well. His experience in playing on the Malaysian pitches might just come handy! I reckon its a cameo inning from him today."

Purv Negandhi: "That was just the first six for Perth in this innings.."