Perth Scorchers batsman Josh Inglis says it would be naive and stupid to take Marcus Stoinis lightly in Friday's BBL clash with the Melbourne Stars in St Kilda.
Stoinis enters the match in a rare form slump after posting back-to-back ducks to start the season.
The 33-year-old also endured a lean run during Australia's recent ODI series win against England, posting scores of 12 and 13 from his two innings.
Those struggles were in stark contrast to his most telling display at the T20 World Cup when he thumped an unbeaten 59 off 18 balls to inspire Australia to victory against Sri Lanka in Perth.
Stoinis looms as a key figure in Friday's match against the Scorchers, and Inglis is on alert to what his WA teammate might produce for the Stars.
"We'd be very naive and stupid not to (take the threat seriously)," Inglis said.
"He's been a fantastic player in this tournament since he started really.
"He's so powerful. Junction Oval is usually a pretty good wicket and not a very big ground either."
Stoinis isn't the only danger player the Scorchers will need to watch out for.
Former Scorcher Joe Clarke is fresh off an unbeaten 101 off 66 balls in the Stars' 38-run win over Hobart, while Trent Boult, Adam Zampa and Nathan Coulter-Nile are proven match-winners with the ball.
The Scorchers also boast plenty of firepower.
Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis showed his class with 32 off 16 balls in Perth's eight-run loss to Hobart on Monday, while Inglis cracked 62 off 37 deliveries.
But it's Scorchers paceman Jhye Richardson who has set the early standard with hauls of 3-26 and 4-9 since recovering from a heel injury.
"It's been amazing," Inglis said of Richardson's hot return.
"He's missed a fair bit of cricket recently, but the way he's almost clicked straight back into gear has been fantastic for us.
"He's been a wicket-taker and he hasn't leaked runs either. He looks really confident at the minute.
"We know how special he is and how talented he is."
Both the Scorchers and Stars are 1-1 after two games.
