Mitchell Swepson faces uncertain future after suffering rare neck injury

Australia leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson is facing an uncertain future after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in the neck vertebrae. The ongoing cricket season is already over for the spinner and things could become worse for him in the coming days. According to reports, he is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is not allowed to bowl at all.

Consequently, he will not feature in the Queensland Bulls’ Marsh Sheffield Shield or Marsh One-Day Cup campaigns. A next call will be taken on him only after he is re-scanned and re-tested to give the doctors a better understanding of the injury, according to cricket.com.au. The report further stated that while nothing is clear as of now, Swepson is facing a potentially lengthy stint on the sidelines.

The leggie is also facing the possibility of remodelling his action to avoid further injury. Trying out a new action will be a huge blow for Swepson who has been in stunning form at present. In the ongoing season, the 27-year old has taken 23 wickets in three Sheffield Shield matches at 21.17, including three five-wicket hauls.

I’m obviously extremely disappointed: Mitchell Swepson

Stress fracture is not uncommon in cricketers but it usually happens to the fast-bowlers. Typically the pacers suffer this injury in the lower or lumbar, region of the spine. That’s what makes Mitchell Swepson’s case so different. He has suffered a stress fracture in his C6 vertebrae at the base of his neck.

Swepson first complained of neck pain when he was plying his trade for Brisbane Heat in the tenth edition of the Big Bash League. He, however, continued bowling due to the low demands of the T20 format where a bowler is needed to bowl just four overs. Swepson finished the tournament with nine wickets in six games at 18 and an economy of 6.75.

Swepson was expected to recover from the neck injury during the short break between the BBL and the ongoing Sheffield Shield. However, there was no improvement in his neck when he returned to training with the Bulls squad. He subsequently underwent scans and tests that eventually revealed the unusual stress fracture.

“I’m obviously extremely disappointed that I can’t be out there playing for Queensland right now but I’m trying to remain positive and will be doing everything that I can to get some games in towards the end of the season,” Mitchell Swepson said.