Aussies set to star in CPL finals

Up to five Australians could be in the thick of the action when the Caribbean Premier League finals kick off this week.

Guyana Amazon Warriors will hope Adam Zampa and Chris Lynn can continue their outstanding form as they do battle for a spot in the final, while Shane Watson and Mike Hussey will be in action for St Lucia Zouks as they play off in a do-or-die elimination final.

Brisbane Heat recruit Alex Ross could also play a hand in Jamaica's fortunes, having featured in their two most recent matches.

The CPL's playoffs format will see all four matches held at Warner Park in the St Kitts' capital of Basseterre, starting when Guyana and Jamaica face off in a qualifier for a spot in the final on August 3 (Thursday 9am AEST).

The teams that finished third and fourth meet in an elimination final the next night (Friday 9am AEST).

The semi-final will be played on August 5 (Saturday 10am AEST), ahead of the final on August 7 (Monday 9am AEST). 

Here's how the table shaped up at the end of the regular CPL season, and how the Aussies fared: 

1. Guyana Amazon (14 points)

Some very handy performances from Guyana's Aussie contingent has helped the Amazon Warriors finish on top of the CPL table. Boasting the competition's second highest run-scorer in Queensland's very own Chris Lynn, and two of the top three wicket takers in Sohail Tanvir and South Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa, Guyana have a double chance in the finals.

How the Aussies fared

Chris Lynn: Innings: 10 | Runs: 398 | Average: 49.75 | SR: 138.63 | HS: 86 | 50s: 3

Adam Zampa: Innings: 10 | Wickets: 14 | Average: 17.07 | Economy: 6.79 | SR: 15 | BB: 3-18

Nic Maddinson: Innings: 3 | Runs: 68 | Average: 22.66 | SR: 97.14 | HS: 50

2. Jamaica Tallawahs (13 points)

Led by the efforts of explosive skipper Chris Gayle, the Tallawahs have improved on their fourth-placed finish from last year and will have a double chance in the finals. Gayle's been their best batsman this season (303 runs at 43.3) and has scored the season's only century to date, while it also comes as no surprise that he's scored more sixes (27) than anyone else in the CPL this year. Alex Ross was given more opportunities towards the end of the regular season, but it remains to be seen what role he'll play in the finals.

How the Aussie fared: Alex Ross Innings: 3 | Runs: 46 | Average: 46 | SR: 95.45 | HS: 23 | 50s: 0

3. St Lucia Zouks (12 points)

Shane Watson was in vintage form in the Indian Premier League and he's carried that into the CPL, sitting seventh on the overall runs table and eighth in the wicket charts. The Zouks batsmen have been a major strength, with Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher also in outstanding form, while Windies fast bowler Jerome Taylor and fellow quick Delorn Johnson have also been impressive with 11 wickets apiece. Mike Hussey's services with the bat have not been required in three of St Lucia's last five matches, but he'll be ready to make an impact when called upon in the finals. 

How the Aussies fared

Mike Hussey: Innings: 7 | Runs: 165 | Average: 27.5 | SR: 106.45 | HS: 64 | 50s: 1

Shane Watson: 

Innings: 10 | Runs: 283 | Average: 68.50 | SR: 108.3 | HS: 57* | 50s: 1

Wickets: 12 | Average: 24.66 | Economy: 7.58 | SR: 19.50 | BB: 3-26

4. Trinbago Knight Riders (10 points)

Newly re-signed Melbourne Renegade Dwayne Bravo has led his reigning champions into the finals once more, starring with both bat and particularly the ball, where he's snared a competition-high 19 scalps. The Knight Riders will miss Hashim Amla (363 runs at 40.33) in the finals, after he returned to South Africa, but Kiwi batsman Colin Munro has been a revelation, averaging 40.75 to date.

5. Barbados Tridents (7 points)

After finishing runners-up last season the Tridents didn't make it beyond the regular season this year, winning just three of 10 matches. Losing AB de Villiers – who was required to return home by Cricket South Africa – after six matches hurt, with the South Africa superstar averaging 58.5 up to that point.

6. St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (4 points)

A disappointing campaign is over, with the Patriots finishing on the bottom of the table for a second consecutive year, with just two wins to their name. Their big names batsmen including skipper Faf du Plessis (179 runs at 17.9) failed to fire, while Brad Hodge was also below his best, while they were also found wanting in the bowling department.

How the Aussie fared: Brad Hodge

Innings: 6 | Runs: 54 | Average: 10.80 | SR: 90 | HS: 38 | 50s: 0