Shimron Hetmyer has been ruled out of ILT20 due to a hamstring injury
Desert Vipers have suffered a setback in the ongoing ILT20 as West Indian batsman Shimron Hetmyer has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. The left-hander suffered the injury during Vipers’ recent match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders earlier this week, bringing his campaign to an abrupt end.
Jason Roy named as Hetmyer’s replacement
To fill the void left by Hetmyer, the Desert Vipers have brought in former England opener Jason Roy. The veteran batsman has already joined the squad in Dubai and is available for selection ahead of the upcoming matches.
Hetmyer’s disappointing season with the Bat
Hetmyer played in all seven games for the Vipers this season but struggled with consistency. He scored 111 runs across six innings at an average of 18.50, although his strike rate of 160.86 reflected his intentions. His best performance came on December 5 against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, where he made a solid 48 from 25 deliveries.
Jason Roy brings experience and versatility
Roy arrives in the ILT20 after a brief stint in the Nepal Premier League with Pokhara Avengers, where he scored 68 runs in three matches at an average of 34. Before that, he led Royal Champs in the Abu Dhabi T10. The English batsman is no stranger to the ILT20. He played two matches for ADKR in 2024 and later represented Sharjah Warriorz where he amassed 298 runs in 12 matches at an average of 29.80.
Tom Moody reacts to the selection change
Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody expressed disappointment at the loss of Hetmyer but remained optimistic about Roy’s inclusion. He stated that while Hetmyer’s quality and experience will be missed, Roy’s proven pedigree, adaptability and familiarity with the format make him an ideal replacement. Moody also highlighted Roy’s ability to bat in multiple positions and his recent match practice as major positives.
Also read: Who are the best fast bowlers with the most wickets in T20I history?
Desert Vipers’ strong position in the tournament
Despite the setback, the Vipers continue to dominate the tournament and currently sit at the top of the points table with six wins from seven matches. Their narrow one-point defeat to Abu Dhabi Knight Riders earlier this week marked their first defeat after a remarkable six-match winning streak. The Vipers face Sharjah Warriorz on Sunday night in Dubai, where Roy could make his first appearance for the franchise this season.
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