Friday 5 February 2010

Tasmania has been devastated by an injury crisis to its pace bowling stocks as the XXXX GOLD Bulls arrive in Hobart for a crucial Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield / Ford Ranger Cup double-header.

An outright win for the Bulls in the Shield game starting Monday would put the Queenslanders a long way in front of the third placed team on the standings, while the visitors still need a win to lock up a Ford Ranger Cup final berth.

Helping the cause is news that in-form stand-in opening bowler Luke Butterworth has sustained a hamstring injury, on top of leading wicket-taker and borderline Australian selection Brett Geeves being ruled out for the year with a back stress fracture.

Given the Tigers already have Ben Hilfenhaus on the long-term injured list, their depth is being severely tested.

"It's not good. It is always one of your fears with your fast-bowling group, they sustain these sort of injuries," Tigers coach Tim Coyle told The Mercury.

"We were pretty confident with Brett, he was going pretty well but in the last month he developed some back soreness.

"He has put in a lot of effort and bowled a few overs and he has been our go-to bowler most of the year.

"It's a real shame but now we need to focus on his rehabilitation and make sure he is bigger and stronger and fit to go next year.”

Geeves and Butterworth were the two leading Shield wicket-takers for the Tigers, while both also are useful with the bat down the order.

Brendan Drew, who took a five-wicket haul three seasons ago to demolish the Bulls at Bellerive as part of a horror run where the Bulls have not won since 2004-05, is expected to get a call-up.