Star batter Tim David is facing a race against time to prove his fitness for the T20 World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury that left his Hobart Hurricanes captain feeling shattered.
David injured his hamstring while taking a single during Hobart's four-wicket win over the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium on Friday night.
The 29-year-old immediately cut a frustrated figure, and he retired hurt on 42 off 28 balls on the advice of medical staff.
The shortened BBL season runs until January 25, leaving David with little wriggle room to make it back in time for Hobart's title defence.
More importantly, the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka begins on February 7 and runs through to March 8.
David is one of the most destructive short-form batters in the world, and he looms as a crucial figure in Australia's bid to win the World Cup.
Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis hopes David will be able to recover in time.
"You know, I'd be lying if I didn't say there's a few of us with one eye on the World Cup as well," Ellis said.
"So as a mate, first and foremost, I'm shattered he potentially might miss a few games for the Hurricanes.
"But I'm hopeful that we'll do all the right things and hopefully, potentially, get him right for the back-end of the tournament ... and beyond with the Australian colours in the World Cup.
"He's a huge figure in the Australian cricket team, there's no secret there.
"He's been batting four and dominating, so fingers crossed it's not too bad, and we get him a few games in purple before then."
David averages 36.3 with a strike rate of 169 from his 68 T20Is.
His knock against the Scorchers played a crucial role in Hobart winning Friday's match, with the Hurricanes recovering from 3-39 to win with three balls to spare.
David cracked three fours and two sixes before limping off in the 15th over.
"He shows dominance, and he's an intimidating figure," Ellis said.
"So at the 10-over mark, he said, 'I'm taking the surge', and I couldn't be happier.
"Unfortunately, he didn't see it out with what we're thinking is a hamstring injury, but Timmy David is one of the better players in the world, and we're very lucky to have him."
Matthew Wade missed Friday's win after pulling up lame from the previous game, but he's expected to return for Monday's clash with the Melbourne Renegades in Hobart.
