Ashes hopeful Daniel Worrall misses Sheffield Shield return through injury

Daniel Worrall’s Ashes audition is on hold as he battles injury, but another swing bowling candidate has been recalled to push his Test credentials as the Sheffield Shield returns.

Daniel Worrall (right) of the Stars reacts during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium in Perth, Sunday, February 3, 2019. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY, IMAGES TO BE USED FOR NEWS REPORTING PURPOSES ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE WHATSOEVER, NO USE IN BOOKS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM AAP

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South Australian skipper Travis Head has pressed pause on Daniel Worrall’s Ashes push due to mystery back pain as Chadd Sayers makes a timely return against Tasmania in Adelaide.

Worrall told The Advertiser last week that ongoing back discomfort meant he faced a conservative return to first class cricket despite fronting in five games for BBL finalist Melbourne Stars.

Daniel Worrall has firmed as an Ashes bolter this summer, but is battling a back injury. Picture: AAP

“It is just precautionary. His body is going good. We are going to make sure we have him fit and firing and he will feature in the next three games. It is a little bit of caution for his body and he understands that,” said Head of Worrall.

Swingman Worrall had spent four months sidelined by dual back injuries this summer either side of snaring 17 first-class wickets through three games and 109.2 back breaking overs last November-December.

Worrall wanted to underline his Dukes ball mastery over four remaining Sheffield Shield rounds but must build strength in his back or risk jeopardising his County stint with Gloucestershire and Ashes hopes

The news is better for Chadd Sayers, who is back in action for South Australia. Picture: Getty

Worrall is a rarity on Australia’s first-class landscape, able to reach 140km and swing the ball both ways.

“I think his skill set with Kookaburra or Duke is fantastic, bowled extremely well and I am sure he will do the same when he is back in the team,” said Head of Worrall.

One-Test paceman Sayers was considered an ideal fit for English conditions where his accurate swing bowling could emulate Terry Alderman’s success in the Old Dart.

However, Sayers - with 259 first-class wickets at 24 - hasn’t played a domestic game since SA’s draw against Victoria in Melbourne 14 weeks ago. Sayers was hobbled by pain in the knee that required surgery following his Test debut against South Africa last March in Johannesburg.

“He had a really good hit out last week where he bowled a lot of overs and backed up. We know he can go in and perform,” said Head of Sayers.

“His skill isn’t an issue, the way he bowls is making sure his body is good. His knee is really good, feeling comfortable with that.”

Sayers will take the new ball with Joe Mennie in the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania starting Saturday at Adelaide Oval backed by leg-spinner Lloyd Pope, in-form Nick Winter and Cam Valente.