Baxter loses key batsman for the rest of the MPCA season

It’s “season over” for a leading MPCA player, after a shock injury diagnosis.

Daniel Warwick batting for Baxter earlier in the season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Baxter champion Daniel Warwick thought he’d torn his calf last week.

But scans showed that he’d actually ruptured his Achilles — ending his season and making Baxter’s task to make the finals just that bit harder.

“Season over,” Warwick said on Tuesday morning.

“Twelve weeks in a boot, then rehab.”

Warwick suffered the injury while batting in a game against Baden Powell last week.

He initially thought he’d hit the stumps with the back of his heel.

After retiring hurt, he returned to the middle and batted on until he was run out.

Baxter coach Adeel Hussain said losing Warwick for the remainder of the season was a big blow.

“It’s massive,’’ he said.

“If you look at his stats over the past 10 years in the MPCA he’s a phenomenal player, a great batsman and his cricket IQ is amazing.

“The things I’ve learnt from him, the captain learns from him and we all feed off each other. “Some of the fielding positions he comes up with just changes the game. He’s a massive loss for us but we’ve got a good squad.”

The experienced Justin Bridgeman will be a key player for Baxter in the run to the finals.

Baxter, third, faces reigning premiers Sorrento on Saturday in a game that could have finals ramifications.

“It’s a massive game because they had a win on the weekend so we’re both on the same points — we’re third and they’re fourth,’’ Hussain said.

“I mean, every game is a final now. Anyone can be beaten on the day. With six games to go the top four could change.”