One-Test seamer Chadd Sayers is fit and ready to press Ashes claims if County deal proceeds

The worm could be turning in Chadd Sayers’ against-all-odds quest for an Ashes call-up following Redbacks team-mate Daniel Worrall’s injury misfortune in England.

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Chadd Sayers could come from the clouds to challenge for an Ashes squad berth as the path opens for a timely, inaugural English County stint.

The Advertiser understands Sayers is English side Gloucestershire’s preferred candidate to replace Redbacks team-mate Daniel Worrall, who returned home due to a back injury last month.

Chadd Sayers and the Redbacks return to training on Monday. Picture: TAIT SCHMAAL

Chadd Sayers in full flight for South Australia. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

Swingman Sayers, 31, is acutely aware that one man’s injury is another’s opportunity.

Sayers, a whiz with the Dukes ball, was a solid Ashes bet 15 months ago, having debuted for Australia against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Successive knee operations restricted him to five first-class games and 17 wickets last season, compared to the 62 at 19 in 2016-17 that sealed a baggy green. Fellow swing bowler Worrall was firming for Ashes selection before breaking down.

“You want to play for Australia and I pinpointed that Ashes series, especially debuting in South Africa,” Sayers said. “That is part of sport, you have setbacks. It wasn’t a great time to have those injuries last season. It would be good to play some cricket over there.

“Anything could happen, the World Cup is on, lots of cricket to be played before the Ashes.”

There has been a knock on Sayers’ pace within an Australian hierarchy consumed with 140km/h speedsters.

However, England legend James Anderson and Australia’s Terry Alderman are poster-boys for artisans who nibble the Dukes ball both ways with unrelenting accuracy and success in English conditions.

A productive county spell would enhance Sayers’ dream of a future county deal and Ashes prospects, if injury hobbles any of Australia’s World Cup attack.

Test seamers Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson are recovering from back and shoulder injuries.