Northamptonshire faced a huge setback just before stepping into the knockout stage of the T20 blast. Their top batter Ravi Bopara has been ruled out due to a finger injury while playing a Max60 tournament. Ahead of the big matches, the team got a big setback. Even apart from him, the team has more injury concerns.
Ravi Bopara Ruled Out From Knockout Stage:
Ravi Bopara suffered a ruptured tendon in the finger of his right hand during the MAX60 tournament. The injury happened while he was attempting a catch and bowled effort while playing for Maimi Lions. After undergoing surgery to repair the damage, Bopara has been advised to take three weeks for rehabilitation.
Bopara joined Sussex for the following season and later signed a T20-only contract with Northamptonshire earlier this year. At Northants, Bopara played a key role, finishing as the team’s second-highest run-scorer and third-highest wicket-taker.
Bopara showcased his excellence on the group stage. He excelled with both bat and ball in the group stages. He was Northants’ second-highest run-scorer and third-highest wicket-taker. His performance helped the team finish second in the North Group.
They reached the knockout stages for only the second time since their 2016 title. But in this crucial time, the team faced a setback.
Official Statement and Other Injury Concerns:
Ahead of the crucial knockout stage, the team faced a massive setback. After Bopara has been ruled out, the team gave a statement. He said, “Bopara ruptured the tendon in a finger on his right hand while attempting a caught-and-bowled; [He] has had surgery but will need three weeks of recovery time.”
Apart from Bopara, the team is dealing with other injury issues. Raphy Weatherall is out for the season due to a lower-back stress fracture. Sikandar Raza will miss the quarter-finals. However, Australian all-rounder Ashton Agar has been cleared to return. The team faces a tough challenge in the upcoming knockout game.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram