The Perth Scorchers have all but ruled out star paceman Jhye Richardson for next Saturday’s Big Bash League final.
Richardson, who had taken 15 wickets in just seven games, has not played since limping from the field late in the January 4 loss to the Sydney Thunder.
Diagnosed with a hamstring strain, Richardson had hoped to be fit for Perth’s finals campaign.
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But recent setbacks have ensured he’s likely to miss their Perth Stadium home final, booked after a seven-wicket win over the Sydney Sixers.
“I really feel for Richo because I’ve been in that position as well,” teammate Jason Behrendorff said.
“I’ve missed finals through injury. It’s really tough.
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“We all are really bad at watching and it’s really tough – my heart goes out to him for sure.
“He’s been doing everything right and really pushing his case to get back. It’s tough for him.
“A hamstring injury in a short tournament like this with games coming every couple of days is really hard to get back for so I really feel for him.”
Behrendorff, who missed the 2016/17 title victory with a back injury, said he was being a “shoulder” for Richardson when he needs.
“Unfortunately a few of us have been in that position. It’s never easy.”
Scorchers captain Ashton Turner described Richardson’s final chances as “pretty slim”, but backed the pace ace to continue to push his international case when he does return from injury.
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“I’d be surprised if we see him next weekend. Jhye’s such an exciting cricketer, but he’s still a young guy,” he said.
“He puts his body through a lot. We‘re really thankful he’s done everything he can to get up for the finals campaign. We know how valuable he is.
“But we also have a bit of perspective. Jhye’s got a lot of cricket ahead of him, in orange, playing for WA, playing for Australia, playing for franchises around the world.
“He’s too important to put unnecessary risk on his body. So I think he’s less chance than more chance of playing, which is disappointing for us.
“We want him in our team as many times as possible. But there’s also a risk reward balance, and I don’t think it’s worth putting someone’s young body under too much stress.”
With Lance Morris to miss the final due to Australian Test commitments, it opens the door for Matt Kelly’s return – after he missed the qualifier final win over the Sixers due to concussion.
Kelly was injured in a freak accident against the Renegades, where the ball took a deflection off Aaron Finch’s bat and cannoned into his face.
“We‘ll have to assess the conditions,” Turner said on team selection.
“Peter Hatzoglou has bowled really nicely for us over a couple of years now. He was really unfortunate to miss selection (against Sydney).
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“He’s someone who should be playing at this level. He’s got a proven track record, he’s won us games.
“With Lance missing next weekend there’s an opportunity, whether it be for Matt Kelly or Peter Hatzoglou.”
The Perth Scorchers will take on the winner of the Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades/Brisbane Heat contest in the BBL12 final.
