STAR Gol Gol batsman Shacaya Thomas in unlikely to be available for the defending Sunraysia Cricket Association premiers’ opening round of the new season.
The Jamaican gun is expected to return in round two following knee surgery in April. Injury issues will likely affect the reigning champions until Christmas.
The 2020/21 Innes Medal winner usually starts the season like a house on fire.
Across his first three innings in each of the his four previous seasons he has averaged a huge 76.11, including two centuries and six half-centuries.
Strike bowler Luke Hickey is unlikely to send a delivery down until after Christmas following hip surgery, while Zac Tankard isn’t expected to play until after Christmas after going under the knife for a shoulder injury.
Spin bowling all-rounder Nick Jensen has also retired, leaving multiple holes to fill.
The recruitment of Callan Hickey from Mildura Settlers will help with the bowling stocks, Hayden Carroll’s return from playing baseball last season gives them another spinning option, and the comeback of Jesse McGinty and Connor Darby give extra batting depth.
Captain-coach Adam Thomson anticipates it won’t be too long after Gol Gol’s opening game against Mildura on October 7 before Thomas returns.
“I think he’s recovering pretty well, he’s likely to miss round 1 but we should have him back from round 2 onwards,” he said.
“He’s been batting and bowling fine but I think it’s just the general running he’s trying to build a bit more at the moment.
“He’s had a tough few weeks but I think by the time round 2 comes around he’ll be hungry to get back to what he does best.”
Thomson said the number of returning players to the club had come at an opportune time.
“Injuries are the biggest issue we’ll have to get past early in the season,” he said.
“It makes it even more important that we’ve been able to get Cal across and have Hayden, Jesse and Connor all return to the club to give us that extra depth.
“I see Irymple as the early season favourites, but it’s a long campaign and you never know what will happen.”
It’s been a busy time at Alcheringa Oval ahead of the new season, with players from all divisions making use of of the popular new six-net system installed at the club.
“It’s probably the most training numbers we’ve ever had at this point!” Thomson laughed.
“I think most people have seen the new nets and how good they are, and it doesn’t matter if it’s getting dark because we can flick the lights on and keep going.”
