Western Australia fast bowler Lance Morris will consult a hand specialist after cutting his left hand only hours after his return to professional cricket. The 28-year-old took 3/29 in a one-day match for WA against the touring England side at the WACA Ground on Saturday, his first professional match in 20 months.
What Was Announced
The WACA said in a statement: "Lance will consult a hand specialist today to determine the extent of the injury and a timeline on his return to playing."
The injury is to his non-bowling hand and happened on Saturday evening, after the match. Morris had been out of action following back surgery and a side strain that delayed his return. Cricket Australia noted he has played 26 first-class matches since his Sheffield Shield debut in October 2020 and is a three-time ODI representative.
Morris bowled 10 overs in WA's defeat to England. England head coach Brendon McCullum called it a "very impressive" showing. "He bowled good pace and obviously got the rewards. He bowled a beautiful 10 overs," McCullum said.
What It Means
Before the injury, WA head coach Beau Casson had pointed to a possible return to Sheffield Shield cricket for Morris before the Big Bash break in December, while adding "we're not going to take reckless risks".
"We're going to make sure that he's 100 per cent healthy to be able to do that," Casson said. "We're going to be patient, but we've been very specific and deliberate in the plans."
Morris will wait for the specialist's advice before any return date is set.
Source: Cricket Australia report.