Ferguson to replace Marsh for remaining Sri Lanka series

MELBOURNE - Batsman Callum Ferguson got a call up to play for Australia Thursday after Shaun Marsh was ruled for the remaining two One-day Internationals (ODI) against Sri Lanka due to a back injury.

Having lost the lone T20 game, Australia Wednesday were humbled by the spirited Sri Lankan side, who came from a hopeless situation to win the first One-dayer by a single wicket margin.

Ferguson will replace Marsh in the squad for the games in Sydney and Brisbane.

“Shaun Marsh injured his lower back in the latter part of his batting innings yesterday against Sri Lanka.

“With the short turnaround between games in this series it was decided that the best management of this injury is to withdraw him from the remaining two games to allow him time to recover.

“His return to cricket will be based on his recovery over the next few days,” said Cricket Australia (CA) physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.

National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch saw Marsh’ injury as an opportunity for Ferguson to cement his place in the Australian side.

“It is an unfortunate injury for Shaun, which will see him miss the remainder of the Commonwealth Bank Series against Sri Lanka. However, it does create another opportunity for Callum Ferguson to come back into the Australian One-day team and press his claims. Callum has been in extremely good form of late for South Australia in interstate cricket and has a very good ODI record,” Hilditch said.