BIG BASH JACKS WILDCARD FOR THE HURRICANES

Out- of- form Englishman wins a Hurricanes reprieve

EMERGING English talent Will Jacks looks set to play a key role in the second half of the BBL season now that the Hurricanes have opted against finding a replacement for Keemo Paul.

Hobart announced on Monday West Indian allrounder Paul would return to Guyana after injuring his hamstring against the Brisbane Heat on December 30.

South African Colin Ingram, who has the second most runs for the side behind Ben McDermott, is only available for the next one or two games in Perth before returning home, leaving the Hurricanes with three overseas players.

Jacks failed to fire in his first four appearances before countryman Dawid Malan joined the group, scoring 44 runs — 34 of which came in one innings.

But an opportunity to return to the starting XI will present itself when Ingram departs.

“‘ Jacksy’ will be with us the entire tournament, we don’t really need to go out and find someone as such,” Griffith said on the prospect of signing an injury replacement player for Paul.

“We’ll just work with the guys we have.

“‘ Jacksy’ didn’t make a heap of runs at the start of the tournament but we know his talent level as well and he can bat anywhere in the batting order.

“We’ve got plenty to cover there and we’ll see how the team shapes up, and what match- ups we have.”

Griffith flagged some changes for the game against an in- form Sydney Thunder at Optus Stadium from the side which went down to the Melbourne Stars on Monday.

The Hurricanes will not land in Perth until midnight on Wednesday before clashing with the Thunder less than 24 hours later.

Star all- rounder James Faulkner ( hamstring) will travel, but is still yet to have a return date.

“We arrive late Wednesday night and play Thursday,” Griffith said. “That might play into selection a little bit. We’ve got to be really cautious after a long flight and playing the next day after a heavy workload.

“We’ve got a bit of time in Perth between the next game so we’ll assess that when we arrive there and see how the boys are tracking when we get off the flight at midnight our time, I think it is.

“He [ Faulkner] is progressing through the rehab well at the moment. He’ll travel with us to keep that rehab going, stay close to the medical staff, but it’s just a bit of wait and see with him.”