Bollinger, Hussey To Miss Final ODI And Return Home

Bollinger, Hussey To Miss Final ODI And Return Home

Michael Hussey and Doug Bollinger are to return home from India

©Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic

Australian fast bowler Doug Bollinger and experienced batsman Michael Hussey are both to return home from India ahead of the third and final One-Day International in Margao on 24th October.

Bollinger has reported an abdominal problem although it is unrelated to the injury that kept him out of the second Test in Bangalore earlier in the tour.

Hussey, meanwhile, is to return home to play in the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia against South Australia as he prepares for the Ashes series.

“Doug reported some minor discomfort to his abdomen during his rehabilitation from the previous injury," physiotherapist Kevin Sims explained.

“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. Doug’s return-to-cricket date will be finalised following this assessment.”

National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch explained why Hussey would be missing the third match, with Australia 1-0 down in the series:

“As part of the ongoing individual work load management ahead of a an exciting Australian Summer and the ICC 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.

“Mike will have a few days off and then resume cricket in the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and WA commencing on 29 October at Adelaide Oval.”

Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson were also rested for the series but Australia could shuffle their batting order to allow David Warner to replace Hussey in Margao, or go for a straight swap with Callum Ferguson returning to the side.

© Cricket World 2010