Before Australia went on to claim the 3-match Dettol ODI series and whitewash the West Indies by 3-0, the home team’s right-arm pacer Lance Morris had to leave the field midway through his 5th over after experiencing strain on the left side of his body and he is expected to go through the first round of scans later today.
The Australian Cricket Board confirmed that Lance Morris has actually suffered a left-side strain, which has affected his overall bowling and especially his non-bowling arm. The 25-year-old had already picked up the first 2 wickets of international cricket by conceding 13 runs in his 4-over spell and he felt the left side pain, mid-way through in what was his 5th over.
In the 3rd ball, Morris would show signs of pain and then throw away the ball, and put his cap on before going towards the dressing room to address the management about it. He made his debut only 4 days ago in Australia’s 8-wicket victory in the 1st ODI over West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Lance Morris is a part of the new look youth-filled Australian side, which is preparing itself for a smoother transition for major forthcoming ICC events. Barring the Test series against West Indies where a full-strength Aussie squad played out an exciting series of 1-1, their team was relatively younger and newer in the ODIs.
All format captain Pat Cummins had stated that in the years to come, the likes of Starc, Hazlewood and maybe himself might not be a part of the team and that’s why it is important to start shaping the future team from now so that during competitions like the Champions Trophy (2025) and Cricket World Cup (2027), Australia keep coming out on top.
That makes Lance Morris a key entity of the future team and his latest injury setback could also keep him away from making his Test debut when the world champions head over to New Zealand for 3 T20Is and 2 Tests. The Western Australian, who hails from the region of Busselton, has a decent domestic record.
In first-class cricket, Morris has 74 wickets in 28 matches. One of the key strengths of his bowling is that he has a simple action aided by a high release point due to his tallness and most importantly he can pick the right lengths.
Lance Morris received his maiden call-up on the back of a successful Big Bash League season with the Perth Scorchers who finished 3rd in the league table before getting eliminated during the Knockout match. Morris registered a total of 16 wickets including a five-for against the Sydney Strikers.
Scan Results To Decide The Fate Of Lance Morris For New Zealand Tour
According to the latest development, Cricket Australia is waiting for the results of the first-round scans scheduled for today and then deciding whether to include Lance Morris into the squad for their tour of New Zealand.
He will not be getting any chances to feature in the T20Is as a full-strength squad is expected to feature but if he keeps himself away from injury then Morris could be included in the Test side.