“It was a big blow,” Sangha told reporters on Thursday. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. “But I’m going to try and come back as quick as I can.” The promising leg spinner has already been involved in the national set-up, playing for Australia A against Sri Lanka A in June, and has been touted as a potential long-term replacement for Nathan Lyon when the legendary off-spinner eventually retires.

With Australia set for a four-Test tour of spinners’ paradise India in February, Sangha would’ve been hoping for a big BBL season to impress selectors. But he insists Test cricket is the least of his worries at the moment. “I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself,” he said. “I’ve got a long career ahead so I just want to focus on my body right now so I can prevent it from happening in the future.”
Another potential bolter for inclusion in the Test squad is BBL cross-town rival Todd Murphy.

Despite having played just seven first-class matches, the 22-year-old Sydney Sixers off-spinner has impressed for Victoria in his young Sheffield Shield career. Sixers teammate and fellow spinner Steve O’Keefe backed Murphy for selection for the India tour but the youngster was a bit more circumspect.

“I would love to (play in India),” Murphy told AAP. “But that sort of stuff will take care of itself. “I’m still only young in my first-class career so if that opportunity arose I’d be stoked but if it doesn’t it’s not going to worry me either.” The Sixers are blessed with a formidable spin roster this season, with Murphy set to line up alongside veteran O’Keefe, exciting Afghan leg spinner Izharulhaq Naveed and Lyon when he returns from Test duties.

Murphy says he can’t wait to have his mentor Lyon back in the squad. “The week or two I had with him last year at the Sixers just to be able to compare things and just chat about spin bowling was awesome,” he said. “We stay in touch and he’s been good to me and always said that if you need anything he’s willing to help out.”

Both Murphy and Sangha will be familiar with Indian conditions having spent 10 days on a coaching tour of Chennai in August. Sangha says the experience has left him in good stead if he is allowed to play cricket in India for Australia. “If I do go over there, I know I have some sort of basic knowledge, a few tips, and tricks I can use on slower wickets,” Sangha said.