Hauritz was in agony as he was helped off the field by the Australia physio
|
Australia spinner Nathan Hauritz faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after dislocating his right shoulder against England. The 29-year-old suffered the injury in the second one-day international in Hobart and is to have arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder joint. "This is a small procedure we hope will give him the best chance for the World Cup," physio Alex Kountouris said. Australia's first match in the World Cup is against Zimbabwe on 21 February. Left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty has been called into the Australia squad for the remainder of the current one-day series with England, which they lead 2-0. "Nathan will have a period of intense rehabilitation and attempt to return to training in the coming weeks if we feel this is appropriate," Kountouris added. "His availability for the World Cup will depend on his progress through this rehabilitation." Australia have further fitness concerns over fast bowlers Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson. Tait complained of pain in his thigh while Johnson has had a virus and Peter Siddle has been added to the squad as cover for both of them.
 |
606: DEBATE
|
Johnson has rejoined the squad following illness but will not play in the third match in Sydney on Sunday. Tait has not been ruled out at this stage. With the World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh less than a month away, the injuries are piling up for the Baggy Greens.
Mike Hussey
underwent surgery on a severe hamstring strain this week,
Ricky Ponting
is recovering from a broken finger and Cameron White appeared to hurt his finger while batting in Hobart. With Hauritz and Tait new concerns, that makes one third of Australia's Cup squad facing a battle to be fit for the one-day tournament. Further complicating matters for the defending World Cup champions was a stellar innings in Hobart by
Shaun Marsh,
the only man in Friday's team not named in the World Cup squad. The 27-year-old left-hander, called in to replace Hussey in Friday's match, rescued the Australian innings with a sparkling 110, helping Australia to 230 runs by the end of their innings and a 46-run victory over England.
|
Bookmark with:
What are these?