The Konica Queensland Fire will welcome back Australian squad allrounder Tricia Brown for their crucial round of Women's National Cricket League matches against the Southern Scorpions in Adelaide this weekend.

Brown has been out of action with a sidestrain since November but shapes as a key player for the Fire, which is yet to win a game in the WNCL despite some solid performances.

Queensland must win their remaining four matches against the Scorpions and the Western Fury this month if they are to finish ahead of South Australia in third position, with NSW and Victoria already shaping as the likely finalists.

In Queensland's favour is the fact that they have played just four games with the remaining teams having played six games.

The Scorpions will be stiff opposition with Australian left-hander Karen Rolton one of the leading batters in Australia and a shining light for the home side.

Allrounder Belinda Matheson, pace bowler Kirsten Pike and top order bat Jodie Purves will be fresh from representing Queensland at the Australian Under-19 championships in Melbourne that finishes later this week. The trio will fly from Melbourne to link with the rest of the team in Adelaide.

The Queensland Under-19 team can confirm their spot in the semi-finals if they win their match against South Australia today.

Konica Queensland Fire v Southern Scorpions, Sat/Sun, Adelaide: Julia Price (c), Bronwyn Buckley (v-c), Melissa Bulow, Belinda Matheson, Sally Cooper, Tricia Brown, Megan White, Jodie Purves, Leonie Shields, Cindy Kross, Renee Lee, Kirsten Pike.

© 2002 Queensland Cricket