Hauritz doubtful for England series, World Cup

MELBOURNE - Australian off-spinner Nathan Hauritz is doubtful to take part on the rest of the One-day series against England or the upcoming World Cup after dislocating his shoulder in Hobart.

Hauritz, who is Australia’s only spinner named in their World Cup squad, now looks unlikely to be able to make the tournament, which starts next month.

Left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty has been called in to the ODI squad as cover for Hauritz for the next two games against England. He was removed following a poor showing during the Ashes. Seamer Peter Siddle has also been put on standby following Shaun Tait’s thigh injury that he picked during Australia’s 46-run win at Hobart in the second ODI Friday.

Team physio Alex Kountouris admits Hauritz is unlikely to feature in the rest of the series with England and his World Cup hopes are also hanging in the balance.

“Nathan had scans this afternoon following his shoulder dislocation yesterday,” said Kountouris.

“These scans are used to assess the amount of structural damage caused by the dislocation and will help guide the treatment of this injury.”

“They have demonstrated moderate disruption of the supportive structures at the shoulder. We will now seek a specialist opinion to determine the next course of action,” Kountouris said.

“The treatment options include both conservative and surgical management. It is likely he will be unavailable for the remainder of the Commonwealth Bank Series and his availability for the ICC Cricket World Cup will be determined in the coming weeks.”

Australian captain Michael Clarke said Hauritz is likely to struggle to take any more part in this series.

“It is a setback, though, because you want to keep playing as much cricket as you can and get as much form under your belt as possible. Hopefully he’ll be right for the World Cup - he’ll play a big part in that.”

Hauritz was playing his first game for Australia this summer after being overlooked for the Ashes.

Australian speedster Tait is also doubtful for the third ODI Sunday after picking up a thigh injury in Hobart. Mitchell Johnson is back in the squad following a throat infection, but he will is also out of Sunday’s match.

“With the unavailability of Mitchell Johnson and some doubt over the fitness of Shaun Tait, the NSP has added Peter Siddle as a standby player for tomorrow’s match at the SCG,” said chief selector Andrew Hilditch.

Hilditch said he was confident Doherty would grasp this opportunity.

“Xavier has an excellent domestic one-day record and we are sure he will seize this opportunity to again play for Australia,” he said.