Sydney Sixers star Dan Christian has jokingly offered "free beer" to anyone interested in playing for his side in the Big Bash League final, with the team ravaged by Covid and injury concerns.
Star man Josh Philippe and brothers Jack and Mickey Edwards all missed their semi-final victory over Adelaide Strikers due to Covid and Daniel Hughes was absent with ankle injury.
As a result, assistant coach Jay Lenton was drafted into the playing XI for his first professional game in two years.
During that game, the Sixers suffered three new injury scares with captain Moises Henriques and spinner Steve O'Keefe picking up calf problems while Jordan Silk sustained a hamstring problem.
Due to Covid isolation rules, Philippe and the Edwards brothers are also set to miss the final and Christian has now put out a light-hearted plea for players on social media.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "Shout out to anyone in Melbourne that wants a game of cricket tomorrow night.
"My team is struggling to get 11 covid free, fit players on the park. Warm up starts at 6.30pm at Marvel Stadium.
"Free beer afterwards, potentially out of a large cup. DM if keen"
Recently retired South Africa legend AB de Villiers and England star Jofra Archer were among those to respond to Christian's tweet.
"I’m keen if u can guarantee me my 4 overs?", De Villiers joked, while Archer asked "Do I have to pay subs?"
Christian also added the caveat "no test cricketers", taking a shot at Cricket Australia's refusal to allow Steve Smith to join their side.
Ahead of the qualifiers, the Sixers attempted to draft in Smith, who has spent his entire Big Bash career at the franchise, but Cricket Australia rejected their request.
Smith was not included on the Sixers' playing list this season due to his international commitments, but the postponement of Australia's limited overs series against New Zealand meant he was suddenly available.
However, Cricket Australia put rules in place earlier this month which means sides can only pick from a 'Local Replacement Player Pool' if stars get sidelined by Covid.
Smith was not in that pool and ultimately prevented from playing for the Sixers, with former Australia captain Adam Gilchrist describing the decision as "ridiculous".
The Sixers are set to make another last-ditch appeal to add Smith to their side for the final given the fresh injury concerns and it remains to be seen whether he will be allowed to feature.
