Daniel Worrall playing for Melbourne Stars through back injury that could impact Ashes dream

Daniel Worrall was one of the heroes for the Melbourne Stars as they won through to the Big Bash League grand final but he’s since revealed he’s battling a back injury that could impact his Ashes dream.

Daniel Worrall celebrates a wicket during the semi-final. Picture: Getty

Daniel Worrall is going all out to deliver Melbourne Stars’ maiden BBL title but revealed a mystery back ailment will force a conservative approach in pursuit of his Ashes dream.

Worrall, starting his fourth game this BBL, snared 4/23 against minor premier Hobart Hurricanes at Bellerive on Thursday night to send the Stars into Sunday’s all-Melbourne final against the Renegades at Marvel Stadium.

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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 overs for South Australia in November-December.

“This time around I took the rehab a little slower to give myself a better chance than I did last time,” said Worrall who broke down on December 9 during South Australia’s clash against New South Wales at the SCG.

Daniel Worrall celebrates a wicket during the semi-final. Picture: Getty

“I came back and bowled 100 overs in three weeks which wasn’t ideal.”

Worrall’s mastery of the Dukes ball and 140km/h swing presents a compelling case for Ashes selection. However, medicos have been unable to diagnose the cause of lower back pain that has blighted Worrall’s summer

“The funny thing is I can’t feel it all unless I am bowling. I don’t think anyone has a definitive answer as to what the problem is but it is pretty frustrating,” said Worrall with 167 first-class wickets at 27.

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Bowling four-over spells for the Stars suits Worrall as he works up to the rigours of first-class cricket with SA and County side Gloucestershire that will determine Ashes selection.

“I have to be a bit more responsible and make sure I don’t blow it out with a big couple of months ahead,” Worrall told The Advertiser.

“I am no value to anyone if I am sitting on the pine.

Worrall is playing through a mystery back injury.

“It is definitely a goal of mine the Ashes but there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge before that happens. There are four Shield games and County cricket in England. I will do my best when I get the chance.”

Worrall could sit out SA’s home Shield game next Saturday against Tasmania but is relishing Sunday’s final.

“It is great, I love playing with the Stars and have been through a bit together over the last few years,” said Worrall, adding that scraping into final has given the Stars a ‘nothing to lose mentality’.

“It a great team culture. We are playing good cricket.”

Glenn Maxwell’s batting and leadership has been ‘unbelievable” while fellow internationals Marcus Stoinis (494 runs and 14 wickets) and Adam Zampa (12) have been exceptional noted Worrall.

“Marcus is like two players. Zamps is an amazing leg-spinner to have in your team, like Rashid Khan, he makes the bowlers around him better,” he said.

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