Travis Head says Redbacks must play it safe with speedster Daniel Worrall as he continues return from back stress fractures
He bowled South Australia to victory against Western Australia, but spearhead Daniel Worrall won’t face New South Wales in Sydney. Skipper Travis Head reveals why.
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Travis Head must play the long game with swing-man Daniel Worrall despite the temptation to unleash his gamebreaker against New South Wales starting Monday in Bankstown.
Worrall’s comeback, five-wicket haul in the final session of a gripping last day delivered victory against Western Australia in Adelaide.
The Redbacks remain in the hunt for a Sheffield Shield final berth, seven points behind Queensland.
Worrall hadn’t played for a year due to several premature and high-workload returns from back stress fractures.
Worrall’s 43 overs against WA meant an unforgiving outing on a low and slow Bankstown track was an unnecessary risk in what has been a cautious return this time around.
“He has had some injuries over the years and setbacks. For us, it is trying to make sure Franky can play as long as he can,” said Head of Worrall, who has 178 first-class wickets at 27.
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“We saw how good he was this week, (he was) fantastic and broke the game open for us, so it is step by step for Frank.
“Hopefully we can get him in for a few more fixtures this season, but for now it is containing his overs and keep him as fresh as he can be.”
Worrall will return for what looms as a season-defining game against Victoria in Adelaide starting March 6.
Head noted the health of the Redbacks’ bowling stocks meant former Test paceman Joe Mennie could replace Worrall against the Blues, while leg-spinner Lloyd Pope will travel as cover in case of a Bankstown turner.
The pressure for Worrall to back up against Peter Nevill’s unit has been reduced by the incredible emergence of Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year Wes Agar, who has a competition-high 28 wickets.
All 🖠from our Franky #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/A7xMj8ytvj
— West End Redbacks (@WestEndRedbacks) February 17, 2020
Chadd Sayers joins Agar in the top four wicket-takers with 26.
“Joe he has been fantastic over the years for us and it’s nice to have that core bowling group, versatility and blokes who can step up at each time. We have another fantastic four bowlers this week and Popey,” Head said.
“It is hard leaving blokes out when everyone could play a role.
“Popey is an exciting young talent who is developing as a four-day bowler.”
Will Bosisto and Head provide spin options, meaning Mennie is destined for a recall in a game where the Redbacks encounter a top side weakened by the absence of former Test pair Moises Henriques and Kurtis Patterson on Australia A duty against England Lions.
“They have always had strong teams, depth,” Head said.
“They have had a fantastic season.
“They have a few blokes missing, but we have to make sure we play really good cricket again.”
Head has no Test commitments until Australia’s scheduled mid-year tour of Bangladesh, but is in pursuit of a second Shield ton this season that will be required to set up victory in Sydney.
“Hopefully if we get the opportunity again I can get a big score,” Head said.