BBL 2021-22: Injury concerns rule Tom Curran, Ben Manenti out of remaining season

In what comes as a major blow to the Sydney Sixers, both, Tom Curran, as well as Ben Manenti, have been ruled out of the remainder of the eleventh edition of the Big Bash League 2021-22. On the other hand, Steve O’Keefe has been ruled out for a temporary period as well.

A back injury has meant that Curran, the English all-rounder, will be flying back to the United Kingdom, to begin his rehabilitation. Taking his skills in the shortest format of the game into account, the Sixers would definitely miss him. In the four games in which he played this season, the 26-year-old picked five wickets at an average of 18.60.

While Manenti has been ruled out after suffering a neck stress fracture, the left-arm offie strained his calf after the win over Melbourne Stars at the MCG. Their skipper Moises Henriques spoke about the same, and highlighted the impact of these players.

“There is no need to panic”- Moises Henriques

“We pride ourselves on being a club and a team that embraces challenges but to lose players of the calibre of Tom and Ben, and to have SOK on the sidelines, would be a challenge for any team and those guys aren’t simply replaced,” captain Moises Henriques said. However, the all-rounder did feel that this gives an opportunity to others within the group.

“On and off the field, all three of those guys play a massive role for us and their presence around the team and skills on the field will be missed by everybody in the group. But for us, we always look to have 18-match ready players in our squad, and we see it as an opportunity for others within our group,” he said. He also felt that there is no need to panic, as some of the regular players are set to return.

“We saw Ben Dwarshuis return from injury this week, Jackson Bird isn’t too far away and Sean Abbott is back after the birth of his daughter, so there is no need to panic,” he pointed out.

“There are guys like Lloyd Pope and Mickey Edwards who really deserve an opportunity, but due to the strength of our list haven’t been able to get as many chances as they deserve, so it will be a great little period for those guys to have a run of games,” said the 34-year-old. With three wins in four games, the Henriques-led side are on top of the table, and would look to continue their good form.