Hopes wants to play his part in scorching hot BBL final
BRISBANE Heat captain James Hopes has not ruled himself out of playing in Saturday's BBL final.
The Heat qualified for the decider by scoring a surprise 15-run victory over the top-of-the-table Melbourne Renegades on Tuesday night, but Hopes was a late withdrawal after "tweaking" his hamstring in the warm-up.
The skipper had tossed the coin and was bowling some 'looseners' alongside the Etihad Stadium wicket when he slipped on the wet grass.
After consultation with team physio Martin Love, it was decided to take the cautious approach and miss the game.
After an hour-long session with Love, the all-rounder said he couldn't put a figure on his chances of playing in the final, but added, "I haven't come this far not to be involved".
While the rest of the squad stayed in Melbourne for a gym session and fielding practice, bowling hero Ben Cutting took an early flight back to Brisbane to spend time with the Australian one-day team ahead of today's third ODI against Sri Lanka at the Gabba.
Cutting, a star against the Renegades with 3-25 from four overs, is on standby for fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc who both missed game two in Adelaide on Sunday.
Provide they are both available for game three, Cutting will return to the Heat camp in time to play in the BBL final against the Perth Sorchers.
