Notts Outlaws have been dealt a blow after joint leading wicket-taker Jake Ball was ruled out of the Yorkshire Bank 40 Final with a back injury.
Ball was assessed by the medical team at Trent Bridge this afternoon but felt significant discomfort and was ruled out of contention.
“I will be the team’s biggest supporter on the day and I know that they will be doing all that they can to win the trophy.” Jake Ball
“Saturday’s game would have been the biggest occasion of my career and I am devastated to be missing it,” said Ball.
“It’s not a serious injury but the game is of such importance that it would be wrong for me to take my place knowing that I can’t give 100 per cent.
“I will be the team’s biggest supporter on the day and I know that they will be doing all that they can to win the trophy.”
Ball’s exclusion leaves Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell with a 14-man squad from which to select his line-up.
“Jake would have been in the team given his performances in the competition this season but his injury isn’t getting any better,” said Newell.
“We want to maintain the same balance in the team so three quick bowlers will play and it’s very unfortunate that Jake can’t be considered.”
Ball’s injury makes Stuart Broad’s inclusion virtually certain with Ajmal Shahzad and Luke Fletcher vying to join Harry Gurney in the side.
Notts Outlaws team to face Glamorgan (from): Alex Hales, Michael Lumb, James Taylor, Samit Patel, David Hussey, Riki Wessels, Chris Read, Steven Mullaney, Ajmal Shahzad, Harry Gurney, Graeme White, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Luke Fletcher