Ahmed in, Marsh out for BBL’s Renegades
Shayne Hope |
The Melbourne Renegades have signed Fawad Ahmed as a temporary replacement for injured BBL veteran Shaun Marsh.
Marsh, who missed the start of the season with a calf strain, suffered a low-grade hamstring injury during Tuesday’s derby win over the Stars.
The 39-year-old hopes to return late in the campaign, with the fifth-placed Renegades (4-4) firmly in the finals mix.
Ahmed has played 95 BBL matches with four different clubs and returns to the Renegades, where he made his debut during the T20 competition’s second season.
The 40-year-old has signed at an important time, with fellow spinners Akeal Hosein and Mujeeb Ur Rahman set to depart the Renegades after Saturday’s clash with the Hobart Hurricanes.
“Fawad is a proven performer around the world,” Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said.
“With our overseas spinners departing after this match we’re pleased to sign a player of his calibre to complement our current bowlers.”
Marcus Harris has been released from the Australian Test squad and has been named in the Renegades’ squad to face the Hurricanes at Marvel Stadium.
Peter Handscomb has replaced Harris in Sydney, on stand-by in case Australia need a substitute fielder.
Like Marsh, Perth Scorchers paceman Jhye Richardson also faces a race against time to return from a hamstring injury for the BBL finals.
Scans on Thursday confirmed Richardson has a minor strain and the Scorchers will take a cautious approach, given his injury issues in recent seasons.
“I think you need to be, certainly with someone of Jhye’s calibre,” Scorchers coach Adam Voges said.
“But we’ve got a world-class medical staff here and I’ll trust them to put the work in with Jhye over the next two weeks.
“Hopefully we’ll see him back and we’ll get him back on the park as soon as possible.”
Lance Morris is a chance to play in the Scorchers’ clash with the Brisbane Heat at Perth Stadium on Saturday after being released from the Australian Test squad.
The Scorchers will weigh up how Morris recovers from the flight to Perth from Sydney before selecting their final team.
AAP
