Redbacks paceman Daniel Worrall sidelined from JLT Cup by mystery back injury

Former Australian paceman Daniel Worrall’s injury curse continues to haunt him with the Redbacks’ bowler ruled out of the domestic one-day competition.

South Australia is two speedsters down before a JLT Cup ball has been bowled in Perth with rookie tearaway Spencer Johnson succumbing to a back injury.

Redbacks skipper Jake Lehmann has lost Daniel Worrall and Johnson to back soreness inside 24 hours.

Uncapped left-armer Johnson, who pulled up lame after a practice match on Sunday in Perth against Western Australia, will undergo assessment with Worrall in Adelaide.

Left-arm seamer Nick Winter, who took 34 wickets from just five Sheffield Shield matches last season, will replace towering Johnson.

Worrall’s injury plagued year continues in a blow to South Australia ahead of Thursday’s JLT Cup opener against New South Wales in Perth.

Freshly contracted allrounder Luke Robins will replace Worrall - who has succumbed to back soreness - in the 14-man squad. Test paceman Chadd Sayers is now expected to start against the Blues. Worrall, 27, is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.

“Daniel’s been experiencing lower back pain which escalated at training this past week, and he will now return to Adelaide for further assessment,” said SACA general manager, high performance Tim Nielsen

“We are disappointed for Daniel but by returning to Adelaide the medical team can investigate the cause of the injury and the best direction for his return to play.

“We now welcome Luke Robins into the squad who is an exciting allrounder and was the leading wicket-taker in the Futures League last season.”

Worrall sustained a foot stress fracture in May while playing for County side Gloucestershire.

However, former Australian one-day paceman Worrall had shed kilos and lit up the track this pre-season in a bid to front for SA’s JLT Cup campaign.

Lehmann will lead the Redbacks with Travis Head on Test duty against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

DETAILS

The SA v NSW match will be broadcast live on FOX Cricket.

West End Redbacks 14-player squad

1. Jake LEHMANN (C)

2. Alex CAREY

3. Tom COOPER

4. Callum FERGUSON

5. Nick WINTER

6. Joe MENNIE

7. Harry NIELSEN

8. Kane RICHARDSON

9. Luke ROBINS

10. Alex ROSS

11. Chadd SAYERS

12. Cameron VALENTE

13. Jake WEATHERALD

14. Adam ZAMPA