South Australian Redbacks player Brendan Doggett has been struck down with a hip flexor injury, a devastating blow for the Redbacks ahead of the busy cricket season.
The pace bowler took 17 wickets in his maiden season with South Australia after relocating from Queensland.
Redbacks staff are taking a cautious approach to the 28-year-old's injury after he suffered various back and leg injuries as well as a side strain last season.
Club physiotherapist Sam Offord gave an update on the bowler, confirming that he is expected to return around mid-October.
"He sustained a medium-grade hip flexor strain bowling at training," Offord said.
"We'll try and progress him as quickly as we can but he's likely to gradually build up his training load and then his bowling load over the next couple of weeks. We hope to see him back around mid-October."
South Australia’s middle order batter Thomas Kelly also suffered an injury in the off-season training program. The 21-year-old suffered a stress fracture in his lower leg, which will see him restricted to only batting drills.
Kelly made his first-class debut last season in South Australia’s drought breaking victory against NSW, and was also due for potentially more time in the Redback’s squad due to Travis Head and Alex Carey being called up for international duties.
"Just building his training up over the off season and trying to get him fitter and stronger and better than he has been, he's already an impressive player for us," Offord said.
"He's sustained a lower leg stress injury, so we've been a bit conservative with that and pulled him back a little bit to settle that down. He'll build his training up over the next month and hopefully he'll be back in a similar time frame (to Doggett), early to mid-October."
South Australia’s injury woes have also worsened as fast bowler Wes Agar has also suffered an injury. Upon return from Darwin’s Strike League, Agar suffered a slight strain.
The Redbacks open the Marsh One-Day Cup against Queensland (September 26) and Tasmania (September 28) at Allan Border Field.
Redbacks first Shield game of the season is against Victoria at Adelaide Oval from October 6-9.
