Ponting creates confusion over Siddle's injury

Hyderabad: Confusion reigns supreme over Peter Siddle`s injury with his captain Ricky Ponting contradicting Cricket Australia`s statement that the injured pacer is returning home after picking up a side strain.

A day after CA said in a statement that Siddle would return home after experiencing some left side stiffness during the fourth India-Australia match in Mohali, Ponting wrote in his column today that the team management was still monitoring the pacer`s progress and would take a final call over the next couple of days on whether to retain or release him.

Earlier, team physiotherapist Kevin Sims said Siddle would return home where CA medical staff would examine the bowler.

"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," Sims 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," he added.

CA is yet to name a replacement for Siddle.

Bureau Report