Image Credit- CA
Lance Morris, an Australian fast, is doubtful to
travel to New Zealand with the Test team later this month due to a left side
strain he sustained during the third ODI against the West Indies in Canberra.
Morris had destroyed West Indies with his blistering
session, taking his first two ODI wickets and leaving them bowled out for 86.
However, he felt pain in his left side three balls into the fifth over of his
opening spell, having claimed 2 for 13 with a maiden. He quickly grabbed his
cap and departed the pitch to be examined.
Shortly after, Cricket Australia announced that Morris
had strained his left side and would eventually get a scan to see how serious
the injury was.
Morris will be unable for the two Test matches against
New Zealand, which begin in Wellington on February 29. Morris was expected to
be available despite travelling with the Test team during the early Australian
summer.
Morris has not yet made his Test debut, but he
underwent rigorous management over the first few weeks of the domestic season
in order to be ready for the Pakistan Test series. He was not obliged to play,
though, as Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins participated in all
five Test matches.
Following an assessment, Australia’s other backup Test
pacer Scott Boland was able to bowl in the second innings of Victoria’s
Sheffield Shield match against South Australia this week at the Junction Oval
in Melbourne. Morris’ injury follows Boland’s knee soreness.
Later this week, Australia is anticipated to announce
their Test team for the New Zealand series.