Perth Scorchers’ hopes of claiming a third-straight Big Bash League title have copped a major blow after their captain Ashton Turner was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The 30-year-old suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee while bowling his first and only delivery of Wednesday’s thumping nine-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes.
Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner ruled out for rest of BBL season
Turner underwent surgery on Friday to fix the injury issue which will rule the inspirational skipper out for an extended period of time.
MORE: The sequence of events that led to Tom Curran's four-game BBL ban
"The incident saw him leave the field and take no further part in the match, with subsequent scans revealing surgery was required," a Scorchers statement said.
"An exact timeframe for Turner's return will be determined in due course."
It is not the first time that injury has curtailed Turner’s career with a knee injury also troubling him last season when he was in contention to take over from Aaron Finch as Australia’s T20 captain.
Perth's vice-captain Josh Inglis is now expected to fill the void left by Turner’s absence, with the reigning champions set to face the Melbourne Renegades on Boxing Day at Optus Stadium.
The Scorchers are currently sitting in second place on the BBL ladder, after winning two of their first three games as their opening game of the season was abandoned due to a dangerous pitch.
Will Ashton Turner play in the IPL in 2024?
Earlier in the week, Turner was one of many Aussies to be snapped up during Tuesday’s Indian Premier League auction in Dubai.
MORE: Why KKR made record IPL auction bid for 'x-factor' cricketer Mitchell Starc
Turner, who has represented his nation in nine ODIs and 19 T20Is to date, was signed to play for the Lucknow Super Giants, who are currently led by former Australian Test coach Justin Langer.
However, the allrounder’s availability for the tournament, which begins in late March, is yet to be determined.