Nothing rib-tickling about captain’s injury

The 30-year-old has suffered a suspected cracked rib and, with star all-rounder Will Fazakerley also unsure whether he will bowl, there are big question marks over the home side just 48 hours ahead of the game.

Nussbaumer’s younger brother Luke has already been ruled out through injury, but it is the setback to the older sibling and skipper that will now be worrying his coach Ash Wright.

Both captain and coach agree that Nussbaumer could still start as a specialist captain, even if he cannot bowl, but his participation at the World Cricket League Division Five tournament in South Africa in 10 days’ time is also now in some doubt.

‘I suffered the injury last week and although it is not able to be X-rayed or scanned, it has all the symptoms and feels like it is a cracked rib,’ he said.

‘I have been dosing up on lots of painkillers but haven’t tried to bowl since it happened, so right now, I am not sure at all whether I can bowl against Jersey – it is touch and go.

‘I am dying to play in the game even if I can’t bowl, but ultimately that decision will rest with Ash and JB [Josh Butler] as vice-captain – it is not fair for me to decide.

‘With Faz also managing a niggle, it isn’t ideal preparation ahead of such a big game but it is what it is.

‘In terms of South Africa, the first game over there will be two-and-a-half weeks after I did the injury, so I am hopeful that with painkillers and gritting my teeth, I may be able to bowl.’

Fazakerley is set to join up with the Guernsey squad tonight after his Leicestershire commitments, which have seen him play in a three-day second XI game this week.

He was not expected to bowl in that as he rests his knock, but will definitely play on Saturday and regardless of his bowling fitness will bat at No. 4.

As for Jersey, they have named their own 13-man squad for the KGV clash and there are no major surprises as all bar one of their WCL group make the trip.

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Star bowler Anthony Kay’s injury means that he is not risked as he ensures he is ready for the week-long tournament, while Nick Ferraby – who has played the last two inter-insulars – is still ineligible for the WCL and is left out of the inter-insular.

‘There are no surprises in there from our point of view because although Nick has played the last couple, this match – although massive in its own right – is effectively the start of the World Cricket League for both islands,’ said Nussbaumer.

‘It is a very settled and experienced Jersey side, so we know what to expect.’

Saturday’s 50-overs per side inter-insular, sponsored by Odey Wealth, gets under way at 10.45am at the KGV.