The Sydney Thunder have urged a re-think of country and club relations with in-form star Usman Khawaja not being made available for Saturday's must-win Big Bash League derby with the Sydney Sixers.
The Thunder are refusing to make excuses but have been hit hard by the loss of Khawaja and South African legend Jacques Kallis (groin) ahead of the SCG clash which will decide whether they qualify for a maiden finals appearance.
Khawaja was called into the Australian ODI squad for the second and third one-dayers against India and captain Mike Hussey implored Cricket Australia hierarchy to release the opener if he was not needed.
The left-hander is in superlative form this summer, clubbing four centuries and two 50s in his past seven innings in all forms, including 109 not out and 69 in his two appearances for the Thunder.
After being drafted into the Australian ODI squad for David Warner (paternity leave), Khawaja was overlooked in favour of Shaun Marsh for Friday's match at the Gabba and could be 12th man again on Sunday in Melbourne.
Thunder management are reportedly frustrated their best batsman will not be available for the clash despite being unlikely to get a run for Australia.
Hussey said while the Australian team always took precedence, he urged a common sense approach and for Khawaja to be released for the clutch clash.
Asked if he would be disappointed if Khawaja carried the drinks for the Australians and his services were not offered to the Thunder, Hussey said: "I would be. He's obviously a crucial player for us.
"I understand it's fantastic for him to be selected in the Australian squad and I think that's got to take priority - whatever's best for the Australian team.
"But if he's not playing and doesn't look like playing, then we'd love to have him back tomorrow.
"He's contracted to Cricket Australia - that's their call. They want to do the best by the Australian team but you also hope they want to do the best by us as well."
In better news for the Thunder, West Indian excitement machine Andre Russell has been cleared after copping a nasty delivery to the shoulder in Monday's loss to the Melbourne Renegades.
Hussey said they hadn't yet settled on their final XI, let alone who would replace Khawaja at the top of the order, with himself, Aiden Blizzard and Shane Watson the options.
The Sixers have their own injury complaints after a luckless couple of weeks but wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (groin) and batsman Nic Maddinson (ankle) are both likely inclusions after missing their last game.
They go into the match in last position but are a remote chance of qualifying for the finals should they win well and results fall in their favour.
The match is expected to sell out the SCG and officials are hoping to set a record NSW domestic crowd.
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