ULLADULLA United product Matthew Gilkes could potentially make his Big Bash League debut with the Sydney Thunder this Thursday, after being named in their 13-player squad for the clash with the Perth Scorchers.
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Regular wicketkeeper Jay Lenton has been ruled out of Thunder’s first BBL game at Optus Stadium, suffering an injury during Sydney Thunder’s 12-run loss to the Melbourne Renegades at Spotless Stadium last night.
The 28-year old has played Thunder’s last three fixtures since Jos Buttler departed for England duty, taking three dismissals and making 27 not out and 20 not.
“Jay injured his finger wicket keeping early in the Renegades innings,” said Sydney Thunder physiotherapist Murray Ryan.
“Although he was able to complete the game, X-rays afterwards have revealed a fracture.
“He will be assessed by a specialist in Sydney today to determine further management and timeline to return to play.”
Thunder has included two possible replacements with Gilkes and 19-year old Baxter Holt both named in the 13-player squad.
Holt joins the squad as a local replacement player for Kurtis Patterson, who has been selected in Australia's Test squad to face Sri Lanka at The Gabba.
Gilkes has been training with the squad since the start of the tournament and is one of the leading run scorers in NSW Premier Cricket for UNSW, while 19-year old Baxter Holt recently returned from Australia under 19s tour of Sri Lanka.
“It’s been awesome to get around the guys,” said Gilkes, who grew up idolising fellow left-hander and former Thunder captain Mike Hussey.
“I’ve been great hanging around with guys who you’ve watched on TV for a number of years.
“Your goal is always to play, that would be the biggest goal.
“I’m trying to take as much out of it as can whether that is from the coaches or players.
“It’s always a great atmosphere when you are around big crowds and it’s a good experience to be out there and taking in what is around you.
“I’m really keen to be part of the squad and am looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Nathan McAndrew has also been named in the squad, while Arjun Nair and Jono Cook miss out.
Sydney Thunder’s 13-player squad to face the Perth Scorchers: Shane Watson ©, Anton Devcich, Fawad Ahmed, Callum Ferguson, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Baxter Holt, Chris Jordan, Nathan McAndrew, Sam Rainbird, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu and Jason Sangha.
