Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner will be absent for the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) after undergoing surgery to mend a meniscus tear in his right knee on Friday morning.

The 30-year-old, instrumental in leading the Scorchers to their fifth BBL title last summer, left the field limping after bowling just one delivery in Wednesday’s nine-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes at Perth Stadium.

Having managed the knee injury throughout the summer, Turner did not participate further in the match. Subsequent scans confirmed the necessity for surgery, with the exact timeline for his return yet to be determined.

The Scorchers will designate an interim captain for the upcoming match against the Melbourne Renegades on Boxing Day. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis and all-rounder Aaron Hardie are among the leading contenders for the role.

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Earlier this week, Turner secured a contract with the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League Auction for AU$178,000, under the guidance of coach Justin Langer. Since his international debut in 2017, the right-hander has represented Australia in nine ODIs and 19 T20Is.

Turner, last season’s third-highest run-scorer for the Scorchers with 381 runs at an average of 42.33 and a strike rate of 155.51, will be sorely missed. Despite being undefeated this summer, the Scorchers currently hold the second position on the BBL ladder with five points.