Swann Returning Home Due To Injury

Swann Returning Home Due To Injury

Graeme Swann (right) has been ruled out of the remainder of England's tour of Australia

©REUTERS/Tim Wimborne (AUSTRALIA - Tags: SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

England off-spinner Graeme Swann is to return home from Australia after picking up a back strain that has ruled him out of the remainder of the ongoing One-Day International series.

England trail the seven-match series 3-0 and Swann only played in the opening match before a knee injury - which is responding well to treatment - prevented him from playing in the second and third games.

He is set to return home where he will continue his recovery and is expected to be fit in time for the 2011 World Cup, which gets underway in February.

He joins fellow bowlers Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan in being forced out of the tour - which began with the five-match Ashes series - due to injury.

“It's frustrating to return home from the tour early but the priority for me now is the World Cup and getting my body right so that I am able to play an important role for England throughout the tournament," Swann said.

“I will be following the rest of the series and hope to see England put in some positive performances over the next fortnight. I’ve had the time of my life over here and bringing back the Ashes is something that will always stay with me.”

Meanwhile, there was better news for another England bowler when quick man Chris Tremlett was awarded an incremental contract by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

By playing in three Ashes Tests and three ODIs this winter, he qualified for the contract. Players automatically qualify for such a contract when they reach 20 points in a 12-month period - five points are awarded for a Test match and two for an ODI or a T20I appearance.

"The selectors are delighted with the contribution Chris has made in both forms of the game this winter," national selector Geoff Miller said.

“His return of 17 wickets from three Test matches in Australia was an outstanding effort and he can be very proud of the role he played in helping the team retain the Ashes.”

© Cricket World 2011