North Flying Out To Replace Injured Marsh

North Flying Out To Replace Injured Marsh

Marcus North is joining up with Australia's One Day International squad.

©REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA). Picture Supplied by Action Images

Marcus North is to fly out to the United Arab Emirates to replace Shaun Marsh, who picked up a hamstring injury during the opening One Day International against Pakistan in Dubai.

It was Marsh's first match back after a spell out of the side through injury and he suffered the blow early in his innings before he was run out for 16, Australia going on to lose by four wickets.

"This is very disappointing for Shaun particularly given how hard he was worked in his recovery from the previous injury," National Selection Panel Chair Anrew Hiliditch said in a statement.

"It is however a great opportunity for Marcus North to demonstrate his talents in the one-day arena with some important series to be played in the near future.

"While Marcus has been chosen primarily as a top-order batsman, his off-spin bowling will come in particularly handy in the conditions the team will face both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi."

Australian team doctor Trefor James said:

"Shaun has undergone scans this morning in Dubai which have shown a recurrence of the left hamstring injury he suffered during the Australian summer.

"The injury means Shaun is unavailable for selection in any of the remaining games in the United Arab Emirates and therefore a decision has been made to send him home immediately in order to begin his recovery.

"Shaun's recovery process will be monitored over the next two weeks before any decision can be made on his availability for the upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Championship in the United Kingdom"

The second of five ODIs takes place tomorrow (24th April). North is currently playing county cricket with Hampshire.

© Cricket World 2009

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