Tim Ward’s prospects of lining up for the Hobart Hurricanes seem strong, with high praise from two of the side’s assistant coaches.
The Hurricanes added left-handed top-order batsman Ward to their 18-player squad this week.
With Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster set to miss on Australia Test duty, there’s a spot open at the top of the order, with Ward in contention to play.
Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott are also options to open, although the Hurricanes like them in their middle order.
“He’s a player who can bat 1 to 6 for us, pretty much,” Hurricanes assistant coach James Hopes said.
“I’m excited for him, if he gets an opportunity to play for us. He’s a left-hander. He’s improved unbelievable amounts over the last 2 years.
“He’s got a one-day hundred, he’s the leading run scorer for the Shield for this year. I’m real excited for him to get an opportunity.”
When asked if Ward could open the batting, Hopes added: “I think he’ll be in the conversation to do it.
“Whether that does happen, he’s probably being looked at first and foremost as a top-order player. We’ve seen in one-day cricket he can bat all over the place. He’s got all the tricks.”
Hobart batting coach Jimmy Adams also labelled Ward as a potential breakout player in BBL|15.
When asked about the availability of Beau Webster and Jake Weatherald, Hopes said they were planning on being without them.
Webster hasn’t played in the Ashes and seems unlikely to come into the XI, but Hobart aren’t expecting him to be released.
Hopes said: “We assume we’re not going to have Jake (Weatherald) or Beau until the new year at some point. They’ll be with the Test team.”
“We still have some selection decisions to make mainly around the make-up of the team, whether we’re bowling heavy or batting heavy. We’ve got all bases covered.”
View our predicted Hurricanes’ Round 1 line-up
