Batting order reshuffle required for Hobart after Ben McDermott called into Australia A squad

A late Australia A call-up will see one of Hobart’s linchpins miss the first two Big Bash matches while up to half a dozen players could make their Hurricanes debut against Sydney Sixers

• McDermott stands down from Big Bash leadership role
• Veteran South African to make shock Hurricanes return

THE Hurricanes have been thrown a last minute selection headache as the club prepares to unveil up to six debutants in its BBL opener against the Sydney Sixers.

Hobart’s explosive batting stocks — already missing skipper Matthew Wade — will need another reshuffle with Ben McDermott called up to the Australia A squad for a three day pink-ball match against India in Sydney starting Friday.

McDermott, who was set to move back to the No. 3 position and smacked a 49-ball 96 against the Sixers in a practice match on Tuesday, will now miss the team’s first two games.

A late call-up to the Australia A squad will see Ben McDermott miss Hobart’s first two BBL matches. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers)

The Hurricanes released a 14-man squad for the first match of the tournament at Blundstone Arena tomorrow night, with former Melbourne Star Peter Handscomb and internationals Colin Ingram and Will Jacks certain to make their debuts.

All rounder and former Perth Scorcher Tim David is also a strong chance to slot into the middle order, with Charlie Wakim and Nick Winter the remaining duo yet to pull on the purple in the Big Bash.

McDermott’s absence could throw a lifeline to Caleb Jewell, who was only announced as a local replacement player earlier this week after not earning a full contract this season but has been in blistering touch for North Hobart.

Former Adelaide Striker Colin Ingram will make his Hurricanes debut against Sydney Sixers. (AAP Image/David Mariuz)

Coach Adam Griffith, speaking before learning of the unavailability of McDermott, said like every season there were one or two positions up for grabs.

“We know a lot about the players we have, it’s probably just more a form thing,” he said.

“There was a good block of Shield cricket for the guys that are here, and there’s been some good club cricket as well over the last month or so.

“The majority of it we’re really confident when we walk out there with our first 11, we know that will be the best 11.

“There’s always one or two spots you spend the most time talking about and that’ll be no different this year.”

Exciting young leg spinner Will Parker was not named in the squad, with another late addition Johan Botha firming to return to the side as the frontline spinner.

Botha was a shock announcement on Monday, coming out of retirement to rejoin a group he parted ways with midway through BBL|08.

Hobart Hurricanes coach Adam Griffith has no concerns with Johan Botha returning to the group despite leaving retiring halfway through BBL|08 (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

“The way it finished last time wasn’t ideal for both sides I think but ultimately, we’re just trying to put the best team on the park we can,” Griffith said of Botha.

“As a coach, I’d be silly not to entertain an opportunity to get a player in with his experience and his ability so I have no issues with how it finished last time.”

HURRICANES SQUAD: Scott Boland, Johan Botha, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb, Colin Ingram, Caleb Jewell, Will Jacks, Riley Meredith, D’Arcy Short, Charlie Wakim, Nick Winter, Mac Wright

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