Steve Smith and Alex Carey have both returned to the BBL after Test duty, while there was an update on the fitness of both Aaron Hardie and Paul Walter plus Mitch Marsh’s omission.
TEAM NEWS
Sixers v Scorchers
Steve Smith was named in the Sydney Sixers’ 14-man squad to play the Perth Scorchers on Saturday at the SCG.
Smith comes into the squad along with English spinner Jafer Chohan, who is in the mix to get his chance with James Vince and Akeal Hosein exiting for the ILT20.
Note there is rain forecast for this game, so monitor that closely.
Ins: Smith, Chohan / Outs: Vince, Hosein
Sixers squad: Henriques (c), Abbott, Chohan, Davies, Dwarshuis, Edwards, Kerr, Murphy, Patterson, Perry, Philippe, Shaw, Silk, Smith
The Scorchers announced a 14-man travelling squad to Sydney for both the Sixers game on Saturday, followed by the Thunder game on Monday.
Out of that group is Mitch Marsh, with his absence explained: “Marsh has been rested and will instead spend time in Perth with his young family. Marsh’s availability for the Scorchers’ final home game on 18 [January] vs Strikers at Optus Stadium will be determined in due course.”
Matthew Hurst returns to the group while young quick Mahli Beardman also comes in, with Matt Kelly omitted.
Nick Hobson has been named despite not fielding last game. Scorchers captain Ashton Turner said: “He’s a little bit sore. we’ve got a pretty solid schedule. Games are coming thick and fast.
“He’s one of a number of players who are a little bit sore but that’s the game. He’ll do what he needs to do to get up for this game. There’s no question mark on his availability.”
Turner also discussed the fitness of all-rounder Aaron Hardie who is yet to bowl this season. He said: “He’s bowling in the background, he’s getting his loads up. His body is adapting well. No doubt we’ll see him with the ball in hand in coming games.”
Ins: Hurst, Beardman / Outs: Marsh, Kelly
Scorchers squad: Turner (c), Agar, Allen, Beardman, Behrendorff, Connolly, Fanning, Hardie, Hobson, Hurst, Morris, Richardson, Spoors, Tye
Strikers v Heat
The Adelaide Strikers have welcomed back Test wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey to their 14-man squad to play the Brisbane Heat on Saturday. Jordan Buckingham also comes into the group, with Cameron Boyce and James Bazley dropping out.
Buckingham is in the mix after a rib injury sustained in November and spoke on 5AA in Adelaide. He said: “I did it (the rib injury) in the A game against India. I had 4-5 weeks on the sidelines. I’m ready to go now. Hopefully if I get my opportunity tomorrow night, I’ll be good to go and hopefully get a couple of wickets for the boys.”
Ins: Carey, Buckingham / Outs: Bazley, Boyce
Strikers squad: M.Short (c), Buckingham, Carey, Doggett, Haskett, Lynn, Overton, L.Pope, O.Pope, Ross, Scott, D.Short, Thornton, Weatherald
The Heat named a 13-player group for the trip to Adelaide, with Daniel Drew into the squad, while Paul Walter and Jack Wildermuth drop out.
On Walter, the Heat said: “Walter has been recovering from a minor shoulder injury and is expected to be available for selection for next week’s Gabba home game against the Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday.”
Ins: Drew / Outs: Walter (inj), Wildermuth
Heat squad: Munro (c), Alsop (wk), Bartlett, Bryant, Drew, Johnson, Kuhnemann, McSweeney, Neser, Prestwidge, Renshaw, Swepson, Wood
