Bollinger and Hussey to miss third ODI, head back home

NEW DELHI - In another setback for the already struggling Australian cricket team, batsman Michael Hussey and fast bowler Doug Bollinger have been ruled out of the third and final one-day international against India.

Cricket Australia (CA) Wednesday advised left-arm fast bowler Bollinger and middle-order batsman Mike Hussey to return home prior to the last match of the series in Goa.

The visitors are trailing the three match series 0-1 and are yet to win a game since they arrived in India last month. Earlier, Australia were blanked by the hosts 0-2 in the two-match Test series.

Bollinger reported some minor abdomen discomfort in an area unrelated to the original injury that ruled him out of the second Test and second ODI of the tour.

Doug reported some minor discomfort to his abdomen during his rehabilitation from the previous injury,” said CA physiotherapist Kevin Sims.

We do not think the new issue is serious however it will prevent him from achieving the workloads necessary for him to be available for selection in the third one-day match in Goa.

Therefore, we have decided it is in his best interests to return to Australia for further assessment and to outline further rehabilitation. Dougs return-to-cricket date will be finalised following this assessment, Sims said.

Hussey will return to Australia following the second one-day international game, allowing him to play in West Australias Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia.

Andrew Hilditch, National Selection Panel Chairman said: As part of the ongoing individual work load management ahead of an exciting Australian Summer and the Cricket World Cup in the subcontinent, Mike Hussey will not play in the third one-day game in India and will return home to Australia”.

Hussey will have a few days off and then resume cricket in the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Western Australia commencing 29 October at the Adelaide Oval.