Express quick joins new ball partner James Faulkner on sidelines as Hurricanes casualty ward grows

The Hurricanes will need to dig deep into their bowling stocks to remain relevant in this year’s Big Bash after confirmation Riley Meredith will not take any further part in the tournament

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 05: Riley Meredith appeals unsuccessfully for a wicket during the BBL match against the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium on January 05, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

HOBART’S quest to launch itself into Big Bash title contention has taken a massive hit with star bowler Riley Meredith to miss the rest of the tournament.

One of the most exciting pace prospects in the country, Meredith left the field with a side strain after sending down two overs against the Perth Scorchers on Sunday night.

Hurricanes physiotherapist Stewart Williamson said scans revealed a “significant left side strain” which will keep the 23-year-old out of action for at least a month.

Meredith is Hobart’s leading wicket taker in BBL|09 with 10 scalps at 13.7, and is the third highest wicket taker in the competition.

Riley Meredith in action (AAP Image/Rob Blakers)

It is a huge blow for last year’s BBL minor premiers, who lost fellow key seamer James Faulkner to a calf strain just two days earlier.

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Faulkner may also not return by the end of the tournament, with his slated return between two and four weeks.

“We’re expecting this injury will rule Riley out of the remainder of our BBL campaign,” Williamson said.

“We will work with Riley on a rehabilitation plan to ideally have him back available for the second half of the Sheffield Shield season.”

David Moody joins captain Matthew Wade in the squad which faces Brisbane at the Gabba tomorrow night.