Aussie spinner Jon Holland slated to miss JLT Cup, Victoria announce replacement

As Victoria get ready for their first game in this year’s JLT One-Day Cup, their left-arm spinner Jon Holland has been ruled out of the domestic tournament following a knee surgery. While Holland had experienced discomfort in his knee during training, he continued to accompany the team to Perth.

However, the injury was aggravated further following Victoria’s first training session. This impelled the spinner to undergo a surgery in order to reduce the swelling on his right knee, thus sidelining him for up to a month. Holland had also represented Australia in two Tests on their tour to Sri Lanka last year.

Statement from the medical team

Cricket Victoria Sports Science & Sports Medicine Manager Nick Adcock termed it as a precautionary measure for Jon Holland in spite of the scans being inconclusive.

“Jon reported some discomfort in his right knee following training last week. Initial scans proved inconclusive but Jon continued to feel some discomfort while bowling in Perth and we decided that surgery would be the best option ahead of the season.”

He further stated that the surgery meant Holland would’ve to miss the tournament.

“The surgery on his right knee was successful and we’re hopeful Jon can return to training after 2-4 weeks of recovery”

Replacement announced

The Victorian team management has decided to rope in the services of experienced leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed as a replacement for Jon Holland. Victoria are scheduled to play their first game tomorrow against Western Australia at the WACA.

While they may miss having Holland in the team following his eight-wicket haul in last year’s Sheffield Shield final win, Fawad promises to add stability to the spin department. Earlier, Victoria had called in 19-year-old Xavier Crone following an injury to Australian pacer John Hastings back at training, a week ago.