Injury woes continue for Oz; Siddle to return home

Zeecric Bureau

New Delhi: The long list of Australian players breaking down with injuries continues to inflate with Victorian quickie Peter Siddle set to return home after straining his left side during the visitors’ 24-run victory over India in the fourth ODI played at Mohali on Monday.

Siddle bowled just five overs in his opening spell after which he could not return to complete his full quota of overs.

Siddle along with James Hopes, who has also been ruled out of the series due to injury, will return home on Wednesday morning. Other Oz players who had to return home midway include pace spearhead Brett Lee and wicketkeeper Tim Paine.

Cricket Australia wants to ensure players’ fitness for the upcoming home series against the West Indies starting November 26 and Siddle’s return is largely being seen as a precautionary measure.

In a statement, team Physio Kevin Sims confirmed the reports.

"Peter`s injury does not appear to be a serious problem but it is unlikely he will be able to safely bowl within the next week which would therefore not allow him to have any further participation in the tour," he said.

"With this in mind we have made the decision that Peter will return to Australia where he will reviewed by Cricket Australia medical staff to ensure he is available for selection at the beginning of the Australian summer."