Perth Scorchers pace ace ruled out of the BBL 12 Final

Richardson with his captain Ashton Turner

Perth Scorchers have suffered a huge blow as Jhye Richardson is all but ruled out of the final of Australia's biggest T20 competition- Big Bash League (BBL 12) because of a hamstring injury.

Richardson limped off after bowling two balls of his final over in the six-wicket defeat to Sydney Thunder on January 4.

As it was a minor strain, Richardson was hopeful of returning for the big-ticket match, scheduled for February 4.

Hero of the final in the Scorchers’ BBL|06 final triumph, Richardson was in sensational form with the ball this season, bagging 15 wickets in seven games this season before getting caught up with an injury concern. 

However, his unavailability didn't hinder the Scorchers' chances of making another final.

Having missed the last seven games, Richardson was optimistic about his return for the 2022/23 BBL Final. But unfortunately for him and his club, he's unlikely to take part in the final.

Scorchers' skipper Ashton Turner, who starred in the Scorchers’ seven-wicket qualifying-final win over Sydney Sixers on Saturday, said that Richardson's chances of playing the final are "pretty slim".

"I think Jhye's chances are pretty slim. I'd be surprised if we see him next weekend. Jhye's such an exciting cricketer, but he's still a young guy,"  Ashton Turner was quoted by cricket.com.au.

India-bound Morris to miss the final

In another major update, Scorchers pacer Lance Morris is also going to miss the final. The right-arm quick will be joining Australia's Test squad ahead of the team's departure for India.

BBL's most successful club will face the winner of Thursday night's Challenger final between the Sydney Sixers and the winner of the Melbourne Renegades-Brisbane Heat Knockout clash for a shot at a fifth BBL title next week at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

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