Bracken ruled out
24/01/2009 4:30 PM
Australia has been dealt a massive blow ahead of the fourth one-dayer against South Africa in Adelaide with fast bowler Nathan Bracken ruled out after suffering a calf injury in Friday night's loss at the SCG.
Bracken was easily Australia's best bowler in the match, finishing up with the impressive figures of 1-29 from his nine overs.
However, he also picked up a slight strain to his left calf, ruling him out of Monday's must-win match.
"Nathan suffered a slight strain to his left calf during last night's game. He underwent a scan this morning in Sydney which has confirmed a small strain, ruling him out of Monday's game in Adelaide," Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said
"We will continue to assess the injury over the next few days before a decision can be made on Nathan's availability for the Perth games against South Africa and New Zealand."
Queensland fast bowler Ryan Harris gets another chance to impress after he was called up to replace Bracken.
"It is disappointing to lose Nathan Bracken for such a critical game, particularly given his current form and world ranking in the one-day format of the game," National Selections Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said.
"However it does provide Ryan Harris with another opportunity to come back into the Australian squad after a good performance during his debut in Hobart."