Warner Replaces Injured Marsh For Final Test

Warner Replaces Injured Marsh For Final Test

Shaun Marsh will miss the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg with a back injury

Left-hand batsman David Warner has been called up to Australia's squad for the second and final Test against South Africa after Shaun Marsh was ruled out with a back injury.

Marsh did not take the field during South Africa's innings in the opening game at Cape Town and batted down the order after suffering a back spasm.

Marsh is to return to Australia as soon as possible.

"David has been in tremendous form for New South Wales in all forms of the game including a recent century for New South Wales in the Bupa Sheffield Shield competition," National Selection Panel (NSP) chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

"We are certain that should the opportunity present itself he will be ready to perform at Test level. “

Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris added:

"Shaun injured his back while batting during the first Test in Cape Town. He was in considerable pain and was obviously restricted while batting in the second innings. He is slowly improving but will return to Australia for further investigation and treatment as he will not recover in time to play the second Test in Johannesburg."

Uncapped Warner has played eight first-class matches for New South Wales and two during Australia A's tour of Zimbabwe earlier this year where he scored 211 and a half-century in two matches.

Australia trail 1-0 in the series after losing by eight wickets in the opening Test.

© Cricket World 2011