Perth Scorchers speedster Jhye Richardson has all but been ruled out of the 2022/23 BBL Final, with the 26-year-old still hampered by a hamstring strain sustained earlier this month.
The Scorchers booked their place in a record-breaking eighth final with a seven-wicket rout of the Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Richardson was forced to look on as fellow quicks Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye restricted the visitors to a total of 153 - a score that was chased down with nine balls to spare.
The Australian international was first ruled out of action after suffering the strain on January 4. And while previously seen as a live option for the decider, Scorchers skipper Ashton Turner put a line through his Richardson's name during Saturday's washup.
"I think Jhye's chances are pretty slim. I'd be surprised if we see him next weekend," Turner was quoted byย cricket.com.au.
"Jhye's such an exciting cricketer, but he's still a young guy.
"He puts his body through a lot. We're really thankful he's done everything he can to get up for the finals campaign. We know how valuable he is.
"But we also have a bit of perspective. Jhye's got a lot of cricket ahead of him - in orange, playing for WA, playing for Australia, playing for franchises around the world.
"He's too important to put unnecessary risk on his body.
"We want him in our team as many times as possible. But there's also a risk-reward balance, and I don't think it's worth putting someone's young body under too much stress."
In a further blow for the perpetual powerhouse, Lance Morris will also be unavailable for the final, with the blistering quick set to jet out to the subcontinent on Tuesday as a member of Australia's squad to tour India.
Paceman Matt Kelly or spinner Peter Hatzoglou are seen as the logical options to replace the youngster dubbed as 'The Wild Thing'.
Next Saturday's final has been tipped to draw 50,000 spectators through the gates in Perth. The final offers the Scorchers a chance to extend their stronghold on the domestic competition, with a win to see the franchise claim their fifth title from 12 seasons of play.
