Sydney Sixers vice-captain Jordan Silk is hoping a successful appeal against Tom Curran's four-match ban for umpire intimidation could have him back playing BBL by Boxing Day.
Cricket Australia has charged Curran with a level-three offence under clause 2.17 in the code of conduct following an incident that preceded the Sixers' clash with Hobart Hurricanes on December 11.
In video footage released on Thursday, the English allrounder is seen apparently refusing to comply with an umpire's directive to stay off the wicket while warming up.
An altercation between Curran and the umpire follows.
Code of conduct commissioner Adrian Anderson handed Curran a four-match ban but the Sixers have already flagged their intention to fight the suspension.
The appeal was unable to be heard in time for Friday's match against the Adelaide Strikers, with Curran having to watch as his teammates eked out a one-run win at the SCG.
They next play on Boxing Day, when they host the Melbourne Stars, with Friday's player-of-the-match Silk crossing his fingers Curran could be back for the game.
"That'd be nice," said vice-captain Silk.
"Any time you can get an international player of his class back in your line-up, you jump at it."
Silk echoed earlier comments from Sixers skipper Moises Henriques that Curran remained a beloved member of the team.
The 28-year-old is playing his fourth tournament with the Sixers and has never represented any other BBL side
"He's an absolutely loveable guy," Silk said.
"He's obviously doing it tough at the moment.
"I think 'Mo' (Henriques) has probably spoken quite a bit around the whole situation and as a teammate I just throw my arms around him and tell him I've got his back."
