Injured Warne ruled out

Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, the most prolific wicket-taker in Test cricket, has been ruled out of the final Test against India at Mumbai starting tomorrow (Wednesday), because of a broken right thumb.

An X-ray done on Warne's thumb today revealed a fracture, which will take a minimum of a couple of weeks to heal, thus throwing doubts over his participation in the home series against New Zealand as well.

Warne injured his thumb while batting in a net session yesterday, as a part of the preparation for the final Test in the four-match series, which Australia has already won 2-0.

Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting will return to take the helm of the Australian side from Adam Gilchrist, after missing the first three Tests because of a thumb injury similar to Warne's.

Posted by Sudeep