Warner to miss BBL final rematch against ‘Canes due to injury’

David Warner Sidelined for Thunder’s Season Opener

Sydney Thunder will begin their KFC BBL|15 campaign against Hobart Hurricanes without their star captain, David Warner. The veteran left-hander, 39, sustained a right-side injury while playing with his children at the beach and has been undergoing treatment in recent days. So let’s know about Warner to miss BBL final rematch.

Thunder’s management remains optimistic about Warner returning in time for Saturday’s marquee Sydney Smash against the Sixers. In Warner’s absence, Chris Green will lead the side, while young fast bowler Charlie Anderson joins the squad as a replacement player.

Trent Copeland, Thunder’s General Manager, stated, “It’s obviously not ideal to be without Davey, but we’d rather be cautious early in the tournament. Charlie Anderson is one of the brightest young talents in the country, as seen in Australia A and NSW performances.”

Thunder Squad for BBL|15 Opener

  • Chris Green (c)
  • Charlie Anderson
  • Cameron Bancroft
  • Sam Billings (England)
  • Ollie Davies
  • Matt Gilkes
  • Ryan Hadley
  • Shadab Khan (Pakistan)
  • Sam Konstas
  • Nathan McAndrew
  • Blake Nikitaras
  • Daniel Sams
  • Tanveer Sangha
  • Reece Topley (England)

Hurricanes Squad for Season Opener

  • Rehan Ahmed (England)
  • Nikhil Chaudhary
  • Tim David
  • Nathan Ellis (c)
  • Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh)
  • Chris Jordan (England)
  • Ben McDermott
  • Riley Meredith
  • Mitch Owen
  • Will Prestwidge
  • Billy Stanlake
  • Matthew Wade
  • Tim Ward
  • Mac Wright

The Hurricanes have named a largely familiar group, including eight players from last season’s final, signaling stability in their squad. Rishad Hossain and Rehan Ahmed are set to make their Hurricanes debuts, replacing Peter Hatzoglou and Paddy Dooley, who did not secure contracts this season. Mac Wright returns after missing BBL|14 due to an ACL injury, while Will Prestwidge, signed as a replacement last season, is included in the squad.

Warner Hints at Batting Order Shake-Up

Warner teased potential changes to his batting position this season, suggesting he could move down the order depending on conditions and opposition strategy.

He said, “It’s more for a match-up and strategic point of view. We don’t have that left-hander in the middle that we’ve been looking for. There could be opportunities where I bat three or in the middle; it just depends.”

This opens the door for Sam Konstas to partner with Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Gilkes, or Blake Nikitaras in Warner’s absence.

Match Preview: Hurricanes Eyeing Early Statement

Fresh off their maiden Weber WBBL title, the Hurricanes return to Ninja Stadium for their first BBL|15 fixture. Fans will recall Mitch Owen’s record-equalling century in January that secured their first Big Bash title.

Test squad members Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster are unavailable until after the Ashes in January, but the Hurricanes remain a formidable side. Their lineup combines experience with exciting new talent in Ahmed and Hossain, ensuring a competitive clash with the Thunder.

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