CTPL one-dayer big opportunity for injured Hurricane, says Lions coach

Why University’s CTPL clash with Clarence a big step on return from injury for Hobart Hurricane batter.

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HURRICANE Jake Doran returns from a back injury for University’s top four clash with Clarence in a CTPL Kookaburra Cup one-dayer at Uni Oval today and Lions coach Damien Wright says opportunity awaits his dynamic left-hander.

Sitting second on the ladder, University gets a big boost in regaining Doran, considering the loss of all-round ace James Faulkner and John Logan to the Hurricanes’ BBL hub.

Also back is emerging opening batter Zac Phair.

Hobart Hurricanes open training session from Blundstone Arena. Jake Doran. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Jake’s a good inclusion for us after he missed the gala day T20s, but he’s had some rest and treatment and he will probably play this game and the one next weekend, and then go back into the bubble with the Hurricanes,” Wright said.

“He will captain us tomorrow and take the opportunity to show he’s in good form to go back into the BBL.”

With two games remaining before the Christmas break, wins are worth their weight in gold.

“We’ve had a really solid start to the first half of the season,” Wright said.

“We’ve had a few washouts and a bye in the first three or four rounds, but once we got our first win we won four or five in a row.

“This game is pretty important in the Kookaburra Cup because we haven’t had a win in that competition yet because of a bye and a washout and a draw.

“So we need to win these next two against Clarence and North Hobart, who are both above us on points in that particular competition.

“We want to finish with two good wins, that’s for sure.”

BBL 10 round one game between the Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers from Blundstone Arena, Hobart. Hurricanes James Faulkner bowls alongside Sixers Josh Philippe. . Picture: Zak Simmonds

Wright was dazzled by Faulkner’s performance in the BBL opener against the Sydney Sixers at Blundstone on Thursday night.

“The Hurricanes were outstanding with the bat and ball,” Wright said.

“Their bowling was great – their death bowling was fantastic _ and our boy James Faulkner was exceptional.

“He has been great in the past three or four weeks for us, so I was really pleased for him with those two big wickets he took against the Sixers, he’s going great guns.”

In other round 12 games, ladder leader North Hobart takes on New Town at the TCA, Glenorchy faces Lindisfarne at KGV, and South Hobart-Sandy Bay hosts Greater Northern at Queenborough.