West Australian spinner Ashton Agar has re-injured the calf that ended his World Cup dreams.
Agar could be set for an extended stint on the sidelines with the fresh setback, which puts him in doubt for the remainder of this period of Sheffield Shield cricket and may leave him touch-and-go for the start of the Big Bash League.
His initial injury came during Australia’s one-day international series against South Africa, just weeks out from the tournament.
Agar was originally named as Adam Zampa’s spin deputy in the 15-man World Cup squad, but was pulled and controversially replaced by batter Marnus Labuschagne.
It left Andrew McDonald’s side with just one specialist spinner on friendly Indian wickets for then nine-game group stage.
Agar had been continuing his recovery at home in Perth, but his program and timeline is dictated by Cricket Australia because he is a contracted player.
It is a similar situation to Jhye Richardson — also a central contract-holder — who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, the latest in a series of injury blows.
Western Australia are currently playing a Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia in Adelaide and have three more matches — the last of which starts on November 28 — before the competition breaks for the Test summer and BBL.
The Perth Scorchers’ season begins on December 10 with a clash with the Melbourne Renegades. Agar is currently one of only two spinners contracted to the two-time reigning premiers, alongside the uncapped Hamish McKenzie.
They have list spots available for one international player and one local player, with Cam Green set to miss their title defence as he rests amid a stacked international schedule.
Agar played one Test match last summer, in Sydney against South Africa, but was not tipped to be in the reckoning again for matches against Pakistan and West Indies.