You are in > manchester.com  > News > Aussies hit by double setback

General Sports News

Aussies hit by double setback

03/10/2005

The Australian squad currently preparing for the Super Series has been hit by two injury setbacks.

Fast bowler Shaun Tait and spinner Brad Hogg have both been ruled out of the three one-dayers and single six-day Test against the world team.

Tait, who made his debut for Australia against England in the fourth Ashes Test, is set to undergo an operation for torn cartilage in his shoulder. He will be out for at least three months.

And Hogg, the left-armer from Western Australia, also tore cartilage in training, and will go home to Perth to undergo surgery.

Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting pointed out the silver lining of this cloud of injuries, saying: "It's a good opportunity for an up-and-coming leg-spinner to play for Australia."

Ponting was referring to 22-year-old Cameron White, who will probably play in the opening one-dayer in Melbourne on Wednesday.

"With a negative there always comes a positive and Cameron is a young guy who has shown his ability in domestic cricket and will be keen to show it on the international stage," Ponting said.

"He was identified a long time ago as an exciting young player. As well as his bowling he is excellent in the field and a good talent with the bat."

Stuart Clark, the 30-year-old Middlesex seamer who was drafted into the Ashes squad as cover this season, may also feature in the three one-dayers now that rival Tait is out injured.



© Adfero Ltd