Noffke-Symonds battle in doubt | Cricket

Jon Tuxworth | 2nd October 2008

Ashley Noffke

THE anticipated head-to-head battle between Queensland Bulls all-rounders Ashley Noffke and Andrew Symonds is no certainty to eventuate at Buderim's John Blanck Oval this weekend.

Scorchers talisman Noffke is certain to take his place for the Sunshine Coast Scorchers when they host Gold Coast Dolphins on Saturday.

However, international star Symonds is no certainty to turn out for the Dolphins given his hefty workload this week.

'Roy', not considered for Australia's current tour of India for disciplinary reasons, will play all six matches in the Bulls' Twenty20 series against India's Kolkata Knight Riders this week.

A Queensland Cricket source informed the Daily yesterday that a decision on whether Symonds plays against the Scorchers isn't expected to be made until tomorrow.

According to QC, the options being considered are (a) Symonds bypassing the Scorchers game and playing just the Gold Coast's home one day fixture against Toombul on Sunday; (b) playing both games; or (c) taking the whole weekend off.

There were fears that Noffke may be unavailable for the Scorchers after Queensland Cricket posted a press release on its website yesterday stating that the 30-year-old had been "told to enjoy a break from playing after returning from a successful tour of India this week".

Noffke had been playing for Australia A after curiously being overlooked for the Australian team's current tour of the subcontinental country.

However, it has been confirmed Noffke will only sit out today's double header against the Knight Riders, and will be available for the Scorchers against the Gold Coast.

He will also feature in the Scorchers' one-day match against Andy Bichel's Souths on Sunday.

Previous | Next