Test squad pair Sean Abbott and Beau Webster will both return during this round, while there were updates on Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Paul Walter and Jacob Bethell’s availability.
TEAM NEWS
Sean Abbott and Beau Webster have both been named to return for Thursday’s Sydney Sixers-Melbourne Stars clash. The duo were named in their respective 14-player squads.
Jackson Bird remains out for the Sixers. Tom Curran (calf) and Hamish McKenzie (rib) are also still injured for the Stars.
Ins: Abbott / Out: Manenti
Sixers squad: Henriques (c), Abott, Davies, Dwarshuis, Edwards, Hosein, Kerr, Murphy, Patterson, Perry, Philippe, Shaw, Silk, Vince
Ins: Webster / Out: Kellaway
Stars squad: Stoinis (c), Cartwright, Duckett, Harper, Maxwell, Merlo, Paris, Rogers, Siddle, Steketee, Usama Mir, Warren, Webster
On Webster, Stars teammate Hilton Cartwright said: “He’s had such a great summer this year, as well as last year. He’s been pivotal in the past for us. He’s a great slipper, he’s a great fielder, great batter and can obviously add with the ball through the middle as well.”
Cartwright was also pressed about the dilemma on where to bat Glenn Maxwell, having come in at 6 in the past few games. He said: “He’s opened the batting in T20 cricket, he batted 7 in international cricket, it’s a luxury we have to be able to shift him up and down the order. I think that’s the best way to utilise that skillset.”
He added: “It depends on what your opposition is. If they’ve got a spin heavy attacks I think Maxy should be going in as early as possible to face those overs because he can be so damaging.
“On the flipside you don’t want to send him in too early, because you need some guys if it doesn’t pay off to still chase down… I’m sure it’s a question the coach and Stoin are going over. Do we send him in early, do we send him in late?”
UPDATES
Scorchers left-armer Jason Behrendorff spoke after his side’s loss to the Renegades on Tuesday about Aaron Hardie’s bowling status.
He said: “I’m not actually sure to be honest. He’s been doing a fair bit of work to get back ready to go. I think he’s pretty close, if he wasn’t ready tonight.”
Behrendorff said Nick Hobson copped a hit on the hand and foot, forcing him not to field in that game.
Renegades bowler Tom Rogers offered an update on Jonathan Wells who limped out of the game with a hamstring injury. He said: “Jon seems in a pretty sad state which is really disappointing.”
Rogers clarified Wells would’ve batted 11 if needed, hinting it’s a bad injury. He also wasn’t sure about Josh Brown’s wrist injury that forced him out of the game.
The Renegades provided an update on their imports, confirming Laurie Evans’ stint is over, flying out for the ILT20 from Perth.
On Jacob Bethell, the Gades said: “Bethell is available for the next two matches before departing to prepare for his international commitments with England.”
Honeyball has learned Paul Walter missed their game on Sunday due to “general soreness”. Walter did land heavily on his shoulder while fielding against the Stars which may have played a part. It’s anticipated he’ll be available for selection in their next game against the Adelaide Strikers on Saturday.
Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis offered praise to Riley Meredith and Tim David, who’ll both become relevant for their Round 8 double.
Ellis said: “Riley Meredith I feel has gone up another gear this year. He’s added different facets to his game.”
On David, Ellis added: “I know how good he is. I’m a huge Tim David advocate. It was exciting for the Hobart faithful to see Tim get us home the other night and see the X-factor he brings.”
Ellis also weighed in on their options for when first drop Shai Hope exits after their next game for the ILT20. He said: “We’ve had Caleb (Jewell) come in for Wadey this season. We’ve got Charlie Wakim and Jake Doran in amongst the ranks.”
About The Author
Ben Somerford
