Athapaththu out as Linsey Smith returns for Hobart
WicketPulse · Published
Linsey Smith replaces Chamari Athapaththu in Hobart Hurricanes’ 13-player squad to face Brisbane Heat at Ninja Stadium on 14 November, the club has confirmed.
Smith returns from injury
The England left-arm spinner missed Hobart’s opening five WBBL12 matches with a quad injury. Her return gives the defending champions another bowling option as they try to recover from a winless start.
Cricket Australia reports that Hobart will retain Maddy Green and move Athapaththu off their contract list. This is a Hurricanes squad and overseas-player change; no international retirement or Sri Lanka national-team decision has been announced.
Coleman acknowledges a difficult call
Coach Jude Coleman described the conversation with Athapaththu as difficult and said the club was supporting her. The Sri Lankan opener had been retired out during Hobart’s previous match against Adelaide.
Hobart’s announcement names Nicola Carey as captain for the Heat fixture. The match is scheduled for Saturday 14 November at Ninja Stadium, with first ball at 3.40pm AEDT. A squad announcement does not establish the final playing XI or a match result.