Sydney Thunder captain David Warner will miss the team’s opening Big Bash League (BBL) fixture against the Hobart Hurricanes on Tuesday after suffering a bizarre injury while playing at the beach with his children.
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Warner injured his right leg during the incident and has since been undergoing treatment under the supervision of the Thunder medical team. While his absence is a blow for the side, the franchise remains optimistic that the veteran opener will recover in time for the high-profile clash against Sydney Sixers on Saturday.
In Warner’s absence, all-rounder Chris Green will lead the Thunder, while young fast bowler Charlie Anderson has been drafted into the squad as a replacement for the opening match.
“It’s obviously not ideal to be without Davey, but we’d rather be cautious early in the tournament,” Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said. “I’m confident he’ll be right for our biggest game of the year — the Sydney Smash on Saturday.”
Sydney Thunder face challenge without their skipper David Warner
Sydney Thunder head into the season opener with a weakened batting line-up against the defending champions, Hobart Hurricanes. Warner was Thunder’s leading run-scorer last season, amassing 405 runs, as the team fell just short of the title, losing the final to the Hurricanes.
Known for his ability to dominate the powerplay, Warner’s absence leaves a significant void at the top of the order. The responsibility to provide early momentum will now fall on other batters in the squad.
The Thunder are likely to experiment with a new opening combination, with teenage prospect Sam Konstas expected to partner either Cameron Bancroft or Matthew Gilkes at the top.
Sydney Thunder squad vs Hobart Hurricanes
Chris Green (c), Charlie Anderson, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (England), Ollie Davies, Matthew Gilkes, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (Pakistan), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley (England)
