Ponting likely to miss Hobart Hurricane’s Big Bash League opener – Cricket News update
Recently retired, veteran Australian batsman & former skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377, is likely to miss out Hobart Hurricanes’ Big Bash League opening game against Brisbane Heat, after suffering from a stomach bug.
Hurricane’s Captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/George-Bailey-c1480, revealed Ponting’s stomach sickness while talking in a light tone. “He's got a bit of gastro. A couple of tough days watching golf has obviously taken its toll. He will lie low today and see how he will pull up tomorrow.
The heat will take a bit out of him so I don't think he will risk it, but we will assess that tomorrow.”
Consistently failing to put up respectable scores, the out of form Ponting announced his retirement ahead of the Perth Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757, declaring it to be his last international outing. The 37-year-old will however, feature in Australia’s domestic
season, playing for the Hobart Hurricanes.
However, Hurricanes' skipper, Bailey, was more enthusiastic about right-handed batsman Alex Doolan than Punter, for the opening stint. Doolan has secured 409 Sheffield Shield runs at an average of 58.42 this summer.
Endorsing Phil Hughes as Ponting’s replacement for the Test series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, Bailey feels it will not take long for Doolan to get noticed by selectors.
“They have picked the right man in Phil Hughes and deserves his opportunity in the Test side but someone like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alex-Doolan-c983, you have a couple of good scores and suddenly your name can be thrust into the limelight,” shared Bailey.
Nonetheless, the skipper is still looking forward to Ponting’s appearances for Hurricanes this season after he was tagged as the best player for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 since Don Bradman, despite making an un-impressive exit from the final Test.
Having the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409 (after his withdrawal from the league
to entertain his domestic commitments & being replaced by Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera), are still a formidable side, having the ability to beat any team on their day.
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