Thaindian News

Sydney, Dec 5 (IANS) All-rounder Daniel Christian in place of injured fast bowler Ben Cutting was the only change in the 12-man Australia squad announced Monday for the second cricket Test against New Zealand in Hobart.

Opener Philip Hughes, who is struggling with form for sometime, has been retained. Australia won the first Test at Gabba by nine wickets.

Cutting, 12th man in the first Test, suffered a side strain while playing in a Sheffield Shield game against Victoria in Melbourne last week.

Commenting on the squad, national selector John Inverarity said: “The National Selection Panel has decided to replace the injured Ben Cutting with Daniel Christian in the twelve for the second Test.”

“It is disappointing for Ben that he will be sidelined for some weeks with a side strain, but this provides an opportunity for Daniel, who has been performing well as an all-rounder for South Australia.”

Australia are facing injury issues with important team members out of action.

Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris gave an injury update of the players.

“Shane Watson is making good progress from the right hamstring injury he sustained in the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg. He has not fully recovered to be considered available to play the second Test against New Zealand but is on track to be fit for the Boxing Day Test against India,” Kountouris said.

“Pat Cummins is still recovering from the left heel injury sustained during the South Africa Test series. Whilst he is improving he is still not bowling and is unavailable for the second Test against New Zealand. He will continue his rehabilitation in an attempt to be fit for the first Test against India.”

Ryan Harris, Kountouris said, “will resume bowling this week after been given time to recover from the pelvic injury sustained in South Africa. His return to playing will be determined by the progress made over the next week, when he returns to training.”

“Shaun Marsh has made good progress from the lower back injury sustained in South Africa. He is expected to return to training later this week with a view to being fit for the India Test series.”

The manager said, “Ben Cutting injured his left abdominal muscle in a ’side strain’ injury during the Bupa Sheffield Shield Game for Queensland on Friday. He is not available to play the second Test against New Zealand. His return to cricket will become clearer over the next week.”

Kountouris said that fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will be out for five months after undergoing surgery on his left foot.

The second Test begins Friday.

Squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Brad Haddin, Phillip Hughes, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Daniel Christian.