Lance Morris eyes Sheffield Shield return after overcoming stress fracture setback
Post-injury scans revealed a hot spot in his back, later diagnosed as a stress fracture. This recurring injury kept Morris out of Australia's Ashes 2023 squad and Major League Cricket (MLC), where he was supposed to represent Seattle Orcas.
Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2024-09-10T14:47:38+06:00
Updated - 2024-09-10T14:47:38+06:00
Australia fast bowler Lance Morris is ready to make a long-awaited return to competitive cricket after a frustrating battle with injury. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since February due to a side strain suffered during the third ODI against West Indies in Canberra. Morris, known for his blistering pace of over 150 kph, made his international debut in that series but was forced to exit early.
Post-injury scans revealed a hot spot in his back, later diagnosed as a stress fracture. This recurring injury kept Morris out of Australia's Ashes 2023 squad and Major League Cricket (MLC), where he was supposed to represent Seattle Orcas.
In a recent interview, Morris opened up about the challenges during rehab, stating, "It's been frustrating, but the positive is that it's healing." While he remained fit through gym sessions, he was unable to bowl for eight weeks. However, Morris is now back to full intensity, commenting, "The last couple of weeks have been about letting loose... It's been nice to let the ball go."
Morris is targeting a return in Australia's domestic One-Day Cup, scheduled to begin on September 22, with Western Australia opening their campaign against New South Wales. He hopes to gradually transition back into red-ball cricket for the Sheffield Shield ahead of Australia's Test series against India in 2024. Morris said, "All going well, I should be available for round one or two of the Shield."
The Western Australia paceman's return is timely, given Australia's depth concerns behind their leading pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. A strong performance in the upcoming domestic season could see Morris push for a spot in the Test squad.