Lance Morris, the promising WA fast bowler, is navigating a challenging recovery from a back injury but remains optimistic about his return to competitive cricket. Morris, 26, has been sidelined since February after suffering a side strain during the ODI series against the West Indies. The injury cut short his season after he had made a strong start in his international debut.
Injury and Recovery Challenges
Morris was set to play for Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, but scans revealed a stress fracture-like issue in his back, which prevented him from joining Australia’s tour of Scotland and England. This recurring injury also affected his availability for the 2023 Ashes tour.
Describing his situation as “frustrating,” Morris explained to ESPNcricinfo that his injury did not present typical stress fracture symptoms, leading to initial confusion. Despite not experiencing back pain while bowling, he underwent monthly MRIs to monitor his progress. Thankfully, his back is healing, which he sees as a positive sign.
Fitness and Future Plans
While Morris maintained his fitness through running and gym work, he was unable to practice his bowling skills for about eight weeks. He admitted that it was tough to pause his training, especially with his Cricket Australia contract marking a transition into a full-time cricketer.
Morris, known for his fast pace and nicknamed ‘The Wild Thing,’ has slowly rebuilt his bowling loads and recently regained confidence in his speed. He plans to return through Australia’s 50-over domestic competition, starting later this month, and aims to join the Sheffield Shield competition. Western Australia begins their Shield campaign against Queensland on October 8.
Morris expressed hope to be available for the early rounds of the Shield and is keen to seize any opportunities that may arise, potentially strengthening Australia’s pace options behind Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.
Haskett’s Injury Update
Meanwhile, WA left-arm quick Liam Haskett will miss the first half of the Sheffield Shield season due to a stress fracture in his back. Post-season scans revealed a recurrence of a previous injury. Haskett, who impressed in his debut season by taking 20 wickets at 24.75, aims to return by late November or early December.
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