Hobart Hurricanes suffer injury blow as calf problem rules out James Faulkner

The left-armer bowled just two overs in his side’s defeat against Brisbane Heat on Friday, before pulling up with a low-grade tear of the muscle

James Faulkner will miss up to four weeks of Big Bash cricket after the Hobart Hurricanes allrounder suffered a calf strain.

The left-armer bowled just two overs in his side’s defeat against Brisbane Heat on Friday, before pulling up with a low-grade tear of the muscle.

The injury is problematic for Hobart, with Faulkner offering an option with the new ball and at the death with his bowling, while remaining an effective finisher of an innings with the bat.

His absence comes as Hurricanes prepare to welcome back Matthew Wade after his commitments with Australia against New Zealand, though talismanic opener D’Arcy Short will then join up with the national side ahead of the ODI series against India.

Hurricanes physio Stewart Williamson said: “At this stage, it’s difficult to put an exact time frame on a return as we see how the injury responds to treatment.

“James has navigated similar injuries in the past. He’s an experienced cricketer who we know will be diligent with his rehabilitation to recover fully and give himself every chance to play as soon as possible.”

Faulkner has been replaced in his team’s squad by Tom Rogers; Hobart next face Perth Scorchers.