Sodhi gives Big Bash a spin

From the Mount to the MCG – that’s the journey Black Caps leg spinner Ish Sodhi is undertaking after he was called into the Adelaide Strikers Big Bash squad.

And it’s a mountain of sorts to climb for the 24-year-old, with Sodhi joining a franchise that is running sixth in Australia’s eightteam T20 competition.

Sodhi, who took 2-22 in the third and final T20 international with Bangladesh in Mount Maunganui on Sunday flew to Australia less than 24 hours later after being named in the Strikers’ 13-man squad to face the Melbourne Stars on Tuesday night.

The Strikers had to call for reinforcements after off spinner Travis Head and pace bowler Billy Stanlake were named in Australia’s ODI to play Pakistan.

All-rounder Chris Jordan is also unavailable due to injury. Sodhi has been summoned alongside wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman and promising quick Wes Agar. Fortunately for Sodhi, the Stars are depleted by the loss of the hard-hitting Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and James Faulkner.

● Meanwhile Bangladesh’s limited-overs captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been diagnosed with a fractured thumb and ruled out of action for four to six weeks after he was struck on the right hand during the third and final T20 against the Black Caps.

Mashrafe was injured after a Corey Anderson shot hit his hand during the hosts’ 27-run win on Sunday to sweep the series 3-0.

"Mashrafe had an x-ray done immediately after the match and the report has confirmed a fractured right metacarpal," team physio Dean Conway told espncricinfo.

"Recovery is expected to take between four to six weeks and will be followed by a short rehab. The injured area will be put in a cast as he recovers."

The incident occurred on the second ball of the 18th over of New Zealand’s innings, when Mashrafe, who last played a test in 2009, bowled a full toss and stuck his hand out after Anderson belted the ball straight back.

Mashrafe had to abort the over and left the field after getting attention from the physio. Opening batsmen Imrul Kayes and Tamim Iqbal also suffered minor injuries during Bangladesh’s fielding effort. Tamim hurt his left thumb and also had an x-ray.

"The thumb is sore but the x-ray has come clear. We will review his condition after 48 hours," Conway said.

Kayes also hobbled off the field after falling on his left knee but did not require a scan.