BBL 2020-21: Will Sutherland accused of breaching bio-bubble protocols

Australia’s young all-rounder Will Sutherland has been put under major scrutiny by Cricket Australia (CA) after allegedly breaching the bio-bubble rules laid out by the authorities for the 2020-21 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It is learned that Sutherland fronted a code of conduct hearing on Monday in relation to an alleged breach of hub protocols.

The cricket board didn’t disclose the details of the charges levelled against the all-rounder, however, sources indicate that Will was found playing golf with non-hub people while playing for Melbourne Renegades in BBL 2020-21. Players and other staff officials have been instructed to not interact with any people who were not part of the hubs.

Will, who had joined Melbourne Renegades in 2017 and has featured in 7 first-class games for Australia scoring 100 runs and scalping 24 wickets at an economy of 2.56, played only 4 games in BBL 10 amassing 17 runs at an average of 8.50 and picking 4 wickets at an economy of 10.36.

The players of franchise Melbourne Renegades were freed from bio-bubble protocols a week ago as Renegades were ruled out of the tournament after finishing as the wooden-spooners on the points table. In 14 matches, the team could manage to win only 4 games thus having just 16 points under their belt.

Michael Klinger quits as the head coach of Melbourne Renegades

Meanwhile, after getting ruled out of the marquee tournament, Melbourne Renegades are searching for a new head coach as Michael Klinger has decided to cut his ties with the club as he is appointed as Cricket NSW’s head of male cricket. The former Australian Twenty20 opener had been in charge of the Renegades for two seasons, both of which ended in wooden spoons.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that I was given by the Melbourne Renegades. I’d like to thank everyone at the Renegades for their continued support throughout. Although the seasons didn’t go to plan, I thoroughly enjoyed my time as head coach and can see a bright future in the coming seasons with such a young and talented group. I wish them all the best for the future,” Klinger said as quoted by The Age.

“My new role as head of men’s cricket with CNSW is an extremely exciting position. I’m looking forward to this great opportunity working with Greg Mail and their senior squads, pathways and Big Bash programs,” he added.