Melbourne Renegades coach Cameron White remains hopeful that all-rounder Will Sutherland will prove his fitness in Thursday’s practice game and not only play in Round 1 but also bowl.
Sutherland has been facing a race against time to recover from a side strain sustained in early November playing in the Sheffield Shield.
The ‘Gades all-rounder has played as a batsman-only for Victoria’s 2nd XI and Prahran over the past 3 weeks, but he’s yet to bowl competitively.
However, Sutherland appears set to be tested in the Renegades’ practice game against the Stars on Thursday at CitiPower Centre.
That comes ahead of their season opener on Monday 16 December against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG, meaning there’s little margin for error.
“He’s tracking well,” White told cricket.com.au. “He has bowled a fair bit in the last week and is due to bowl again (on Tuesday) and then we’ve got a practice game against the Stars on Thursday.
“If he gets through that, he should be on track to bowl in the first game up in Sydney.”
In a wide-ranging interview with cricket.com.au for their Renegades’ preview, White also indicated import Laurie Evans would bat at 5 and suggested they’re still very bullish Jacob Bethell will play, despite his increased England commitments leading to his SA-20 withdrawal.
White was also glowing in praise of emerging young quick Fergus O’Neill, who looms as a potential breakout player after impressing late last season in the BBL.
“Fergus O’Neill has had a fantastic domestic season with Victoria so far,” White said.
“He played a couple of games for the Renegades last season so with more opportunity it could be interesting to see what he can do with his skill set in T20; I think he’s got a skill set which he’ll be able to adapt to all conditions and all grounds.”
View all the predicted BBL line-ups here
Strikers – Heat – Hurricanes – Renegades – Stars – Scorchers – Sixers – Thunder
