Coulter-Nile’s Test call-up on ice after injury against Strikers
Nathan Coulter-Nile’s dream of an Australian Test cap on Boxing Day appears over after dislocating his shoulder during the Perth Scorchers’ Big Bash League loss to the Adelaide Strikers.
Coulter-Nile on the field this month.
Coulter-Nile dived and misfielded a ball at the WACA during the Strikers’ successful run chase after the Scorchers made 6-151.
Then when he attempted to get up and run after the ball, he landed awkwardly on his arm leading to the shoulder popping out.
While it did go back in after leaving the field, Coulter-Nile is considered next to no chance of being fit and available for selection to make his Test debut against the West Indies at the MCG on Saturday.
The West Australian quick, who was 12th man in Hobart, will have scans on Tuesday morning with a full diagnosis expected on Wednesday.
His Scorchers captain and Australian teammate Adam Voges is just hoping for good news.
“I saw Coults quickly in the rooms and his shoulder is back in place as far as they know,” Voges said.
“It didn’t look great on the field but fingers crossed he’s OK.”
It was a disappointing night for the Scorchers in their defence of winning the last two BBL crowns.
After posting 6-151, with Shaun Marsh (47) and Voges (45no) their best, they were helpless as the Strikers cruised home to win four wickets with five balls to spare.
Test commitments will ensure Voges misses the Scorchers’ next clash, against the Brisbane Heat on Boxing Day, but he expects a much better all-round performance – even if it will come without Coulter-Nile, as well as fellow Test incumbents Shaun and Mitch Marsh.
“Ashton Agar will come straight in naturally so that will give (Michael Klinger) some options for the next game,” Voges said.
“While it’s still very disappointing and we were outplayed, we have lost the first game every year and managed to claw our way back into the tournament.”
Despite the Strikers losing Craig Simmons (1) and Ludeman (17) early, the runs were flowing. Travis Head made 22 before Jayawardene and Brad Hodge moved things along steadily.
Hodge did fall for 14 to a spectacular catch from 12th man Ashton Agar, but Alex Ross joined Jayawardene and they added 33 in 26 balls before English all-rounder David Willey had the Sri Lankan caught by Shaun Marsh with the score at 5-131 in the 17th over.
Ross kept his cool making 38 from 29 to get the Strikers within two before Adil Rashid hit the winning run to start the final over.
Adelaide take on the Sydney Thunder at Spotless Stadium next Monday while the Scorchers host the Brisbane Heat on Boxing Day.
