BBL2012: Time to find out Warnie Disco Ball

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) December 12, 2012: Legendary Australian legspinner Shane Warne is all set to give his Disco Ball another go on Wednesday when his side Melbourne Stars take on the Perth Scorchers in the KFC Big Bash League match at Western Australia Cricket Association Ground in Perth.

Shane Warne had a torrid time in his first outing in the KFC Big Bash League 2012, a Melbourne Derby, where he was belted for 41 runs from his 12 deliveries and he didn’t deliver that mystery Disco Ball in those two overs.

Today, he has the chance to try his newly-built mystery delivery against Perth Scorchers who also lost their first match of the competition to Adelaide Strikers on December 9, 2012.

As per the latest updates, the Shane Warne’s Melbourne Stars have won the toss and the legendary leggie has decided to field first.

Melbourne Stars squad includes, Shane Warne (captain), James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb (wk), Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Clint McKay, Lasith Malinga, Glenn Maxwell, Rob Quiney, Cameron White, Luke Wright, Scott Henry, John Hastings, Clive Rose, Jackson Bird, and Alex Keath.

Perth Scorchers squad includes Herschelle Gibbs, Hilton Cartwright, Adam Voges, Simon Katich (captain), Marcus North, Tom Triffitt (wk), Nathan Counter-Nile, Marcus Stoinis, Joe Mennie, Michael Beer, Brad Hogg, Ben Edmondson, Alfonso Thomas, Ashton Agar, Shaun Marsh, Tim Armstrong, and Jason Behrendorff.

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Clarke, Hastings, Hilfenhaus, Hazlewood to miss Big Bash League opener

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) December 5, 2012: The most-anticipated Australian domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament is just a couple of days away but some of the biggest stars will not be part of the initial matches of the KFC Big Bash League 2012.

Australian Test skipper Michael Clarke, as well as pacemen Ben Hilfenhaus, John Hastings, and Josh Hazelwood will not be available to their respective BBL franchises for their opening games of the Australian domestic Twenty20 season.

Michael Clarke is once again struggling to get over the back soreness and has been told to stay away from the opening round of the KFC Big Bash League 2012.

While Josh Hazlewood, who is knocking at door of Test cricket, is nursing a foot injury and is out at least for a month, Ben Hilfenhas and John Hastings have also been ordered by the Cricket Australia to miss the opening stages of the Twenty20 tournament.

Cricket Australia Executive General Manger of Team Performces, Pat Howard said in a statement issued Wedenesday, "Our medical staff have advised Michael not to play cricket this weekend”.

The Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel is due to announce squad on Thursday for the first Test against Sri Lanka and Michael Clarke, who has been facing back problems due to degenerative discs in his lower back, is expected to be part of the squad.

The first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka is starting from December 14.

Cricket Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Justin Paoloni said in a statement issued here today, “John Hastings had scans that have ruled out serious injury. He will be reviewed later this week to determine his return to training and playing. He will miss the first Big Bash League game and possibly be unavailable for selection for the first Test versus Sri Lanka in Hobart, depending on how responds to treatment."

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