Key Brisbane Heat quick Morne Morkel is in doubt for Friday's clash with the Melbourne Stars at Manuka Oval as he continues to battle an ankle injury.
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The former South African Test star has struggled to overcome the issue, having been forced to spend four weeks in quarantine in recent times, either side of a trip to England.
"That sort of delayed things a little bit," Morkel said.
"Hopefully I can get on the park as soon as possible."
The Heat have had a disjointed preparation for this season's Big Bash, which opens with two matches at Manuka Oval before a long stretch back in Queensland.
They also play the Sydney Thunder on Monday, but won't be at full strength until the second half of the tournament.
Brisbane's English import Tom Banton recently pulled out of the tournament citing struggles with the strict bio-security measures that have been implemented by cricket competitions around the world.
He was due to fly to Australia and quarantine for two weeks which would have made him available for the back end of the tournament, but has withdrawn.
Joe Burns is also not available, joining Heat teammate Marnus Labuschagne as part of the Australian Test squad ahead of a four-match series with India.
Quick bowler Mark Steketee won't play in Friday's match, after being selected in the Australia A side to play a three-day tour match against India starting on the same day. Hard-hitting Heat batsman Jack Wildermuth has been called into the Australia A squad as well.
Spin bowler Mujeeb ur Rahman continues to battle COVID-19 after testing positive for the virus a week ago, while Lewis Gregory won't be available until after Christmas.
"Unfortunately we've still got a couple of our overseas players stuck in South Africa, some of the guys are still in quarantine, it's a little bit disjointed at the moment," Morkel said.
"Hub life and life with the COVID circumstances we live in, it's going to be challenging. The teams that play the smartest on the field and off the field they're going to be the guys that will be holding the trophy at the back end.
"For us, our main focus is on our first game. We've got a young, energetic team that's going to put a lot of energy on the field. Fearless cricket is the brand we're going to play."
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One positive for the Heat is Morkel is now considered a local player, after he earned permanent residency in Australia earlier this year.
He now lives in Sydney with his Australian wife and their two children after retiring from international cricket in 2018.
"This is one of the top tournaments you want to play in, to be part of the Big Bash there's a lot of benefits as an international player if you do well over here," Morkel said.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
