Sutherland in hot water over alleged hub breach

Emerging all-rounder Will Sutherland is facing possible sanctions from Cricket Australia after allegedly breaking CA’s COVID-19 rules.

Cricket’s governing body confirmed on Tuesday that Sutherland, 21, fronted a code of conduct hearing on Monday in relation to an alleged breach of hub protocols.

While CA would not disclose details of the charge levelled against Sutherland, cricket sources indicated that it related to an alleged instance in which Sutherland played golf with non-hub people during his time playing in the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Renegades.

Will Sutherland allegedly breached Cricket Australia’s COVID-19 protocols.Credit:Getty

Players and staff in BBL hubs had been under strict instructions in relation to dealings with people who were not part of the hubs.

Earlier in the season, Brisbane Heat pair Dan Lawrence and Chris Lynn were both fined $10,000 for breaches of hub protocols.

A seam-bowling all-rounder, Sutherland was earlier this summer selected to play for Australia A. The son of former CA chief James Sutherland and brother of leading women’s player Annabel Sutherland, Will chose cricket over football, having been rated as a potential first-round AFL draft pick in 2017.

The Renegades’ season finished a week ago, at which point players were freed from their bubble restrictions.

The club is meanwhile on the hunt for a new head coach after Michael Klinger quit to take up a role as Cricket NSW’s head of male cricket despite having a year to run on his contract with the BBL side.

The former Australian Twenty20 opener had been in charge of the Renegades for two seasons, both of which ended in wooden spoons.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that I was given by the Melbourne Renegades. I’d like to thank everyone at the Renegades for their continued support throughout,” Klinger said.

Michael KlingerCredit:Getty Images

“Although the seasons didn’t go to plan, I thoroughly enjoyed my time as head coach and can see a bright future in the coming seasons with such a young and talented group. I wish them all the best for the future.

“My new role as head of men’s cricket with CNSW is an extremely exciting position. I’m looking forward to this great opportunity working with Greg Mail and their senior squads, pathways and Big Bash programs.”

Renegades general manager David Lever paid tribute to Klinger.

“On behalf of everyone at the club I’d like to extend our thanks and best wishes to Michael in his new role in New South Wales,” Lever said.

“Maxy’s dedication to the role, his composure and broader role as an ambassador for the Renegades has been exemplary.

“Despite injuries and unavailability of key players, limited preparation time in his first season and an extended period on the road in his second season, Maxy never looked for excuses and confronted each challenge with the same commitment, character and class that made him such an excellent player for so long.

“We thank Michael for his service and outstanding leadership and wish him and his family all the best for their new opportunity.”

Cricket NSW head of cricket Mail said it was a coup for his organisation.

“We are delighted to have a person of Max’s calibre joining our team,” Mail said.

“He is a universally respected figure in Australian cricket and brings experience across a wide range of high-performance environments and across all formats of the game.

“Max has presented as a calm, strategic thinker, and an honest, open and values-based leader.

“His character and leadership will be great assets to us and I’m looking forward to welcoming him to the CNSW team.

“We’d like to thank Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades for releasing Michael from the remainder of his contract so that he could pursue this opportunity that we believe will benefit not just CNSW, but Australian cricket as a whole.”

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