Injury concerns for Australia

Michael Hussey and Shane Watson, two integral members of Australia’s ODI team, have both been ruled out of the tour of India with hamstring injuries. The tour includes 7 ODI matches and a Twenty20 international, and was set to be a good chance for Australia to restore pride after their semi-final exit during the Twenty20 World Cup. However, with the absence of Hussey, Watson and possibly captain Ricky Ponting, the Australians chances are decreasing.

Hussey picked up his injury during the semi-final against India, pulling up in pain after completing a quick run. He immediately called for a runner and battled on for the remainder of his innings, but was in visible discomfort. His injury completes the trio of hamstring injuries that team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris has been attempting to mend over the last few days, with all-rounder Watson and skipper Ponting both succumbing earlier in the tournament.

Ponting could possibly tour India for the 7 match series, but Hussey and Watson have both been given no chance of playing, instead being told to rest up before a busy Test season ahead. James Hopes, the Queensland all-rounder, has been called up to replace Watson while a replacement for Hussey is expected to be named shortly. Meanwhile, Nathan Bracken will miss some of the early ODI’s after being given paternal leave in expectation of his first child.