Hobart Hurricanes wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade is in some doubt for their BBL|15 opener on Tuesday as he bids to overcome a side strain.
Wade returned from the Abu Dhabi T10 League prematurely last month without playing a game for Aspin Stallions.
Wade was bullish he’d be fit in time for his side’s opener against the Sydney Thunder on Tuesday 16 December in Hobart.
He told reporters on Monday: “I went to Abu Dhabi to play the T10 and tore my side there, so came home early, but ready to jump into it.
“I had a hit last week, I had a couple of hits last week and just focused on getting strong again but everything’s leading towards I’ll be fine to go.
“I’ve done a couple of them now and it feels pretty standard, usually 2 weeks, so coming up to 3 weeks now, so I should be good to go by the time of the first game.”
The Hurricanes batting order remains a debate topic, with the side bolstered by the recruitment of Beau Webster and Jake Weatherald, while there was also the exit of Caleb Jewell to the Renegades.
Webster could be released from the Test squad to play but Weatherald is now a key part of that XI competing in the Ashes, so he’ll miss.
As a result, Hobart’s line-up and Wade’s role is unclear but the wicketkeeper-batsman discussed some options.
“Last year it did look good with myself, Tim (David) and (Ben) McDermott loading that middle order. In BBL it’s probably been one area teams have struggled with that 4/5/6 finishing innings. There’s obviously a lot of opening batters.
“We’ve got Beau if he comes back and plays. Jake probably won’t start obviously.
“We’ll probably have a spot at the top of the order. If they feel like I’m the best option to fill that early, I’ll go and do it. Otherwise, you’ll probably find me slide in at 5 or 6 behind Tim.”
Wade also suggested he’ll take wicketkeeper duties this season, not Ben McDermott.
“I think I’ll be keeping,” he said. “With what McDermott did in the slips and on the boundary, I think I’ll be taking the gloves.”
View our predicted Hurricanes’ Round 1 line-up
