Emerging Australian fast bowler Lance Morris has admitted that his ongoing recovery from a back injury has been "frustrating," but he hopes that a cautious approach will allow him to return in time for the Sheffield Shield ahead of Australia’s Test series against India this summer.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined since February, having last played in the ODI series against the West Indies. After making his international debut in the opening game, Morris took two early wickets in the third match in Canberra before a side strain ended his season.
Morris had been set to play for the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, but post-season scans revealed a hot spot in his back, ruling him out of Australia’s current tours of Scotland and England. This setback followed the recurrence of an injury that had previously kept him out of the 2023 Ashes series. He said that it’s been a challenging period, noting that while the injury was initially confusing due to a lack of pain, regular MRI scans have shown improvement in his recovery.
Despite staying fit through running and gym work, Morris was unable to practise his bowling for about eight weeks, which he found frustrating. "At this stage of my career, with a Cricket Australia contract, it’s about transitioning into a 12-month cricketer," he said. Morris reflected that had he ignored the injury and continued playing, he could have faced an even longer recovery period.
Known as ‘The Wild Thing’ for his ability to bowl over 150kph, Morris has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s fastest bowlers. His rapid rise in domestic cricket for Western Australia led to his inclusion in the fringes of the national Test squad over recent seasons. After gradually rebuilding his bowling workload, Morris admitted he had doubts about whether he could regain his top speed. However, recent full-strength bowling sessions have restored his confidence.
"The slow build-up restricts how fast you can bowl at different stages," Morris explained, but he expressed relief that the recent weeks had allowed him to bowl without limitations, saying it felt great to be back to full speed.
Morris is now preparing to make his return through Australia’s domestic 50-over competition later this month, with plans to play in the Sheffield Shield soon after. Western Australia, the reigning three-time Shield champions, begin their campaign against Queensland at the WACA on October 8. Morris hopes to be available for either the first or second round of the competition as part of his gradual return to red-ball cricket.
Morris acknowledged that there are no guarantees for his return to the Australian Test squad, but he remains hopeful of seizing any opportunities that come his way. With uncertainty over the depth behind Australia’s pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, a strong domestic season could bolster his chances. "I have no expectations, but if an opportunity arises, I’ll be ready to grab it with both hands," he said.
Meanwhile, fellow Western Australian paceman Liam Haskett is set to miss the first half of the Sheffield Shield season as he recovers from a stress fracture in his back. Haskett, 23, had a breakout debut season, taking 20 wickets in six matches, but post-season scans confirmed the recurrence of a previous injury. He is targeting a return towards the end of November or early December.