The Perth Scorchers have copped another availability issue ahead of BBL|14 with spinning all-rounder Ashton Agar suffering a shoulder injury during WA’s recent Sheffield Shield game.
Honeyball understands Agar sprained his AC joint although WA Cricket are not yet clear on timelines on his return to full fitness.
Agar only bowled 5 overs in the first innings with the injury restricting him, before batting manfully one-handed as WA set Victoria a target.
The injury follows that for Cooper Connolly who will miss 4-6 weeks with a fractured left hand, meaning he’s likely to face a race against time for Perth’s BBL|14 opener on December 15.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis’ Test squad call-up also means it’s unclear if he’ll be released for the December 15 game.
Inglis is unlikely to be in Australia’s final XI for the first Test starting Friday in Perth. The third Test in Adelaide clashes with the start of BBL|14, which is when Inglis’ availability will be relevant.
Agar’s injury potentially opens the door for newly-signed Matthew Spoors or Nick Hobson, while his absence could mean more bowling overs for Aaron Hardie.
Hobson seems the likely replacement for Connolly, while English recruit Matthew Hurst is the obvious cover for Inglis with the gloves.
