Hilfenhaus blow for Australia

Ben Hilfenhaus, Australia's most successful bowler at the Gabba, will play no part in the second Test starting on Friday

Australia seamer Ben Hilfenhaus has been forced out of the second Test against West Indies by a knee injury.

The opening bowler was named man of the match in Brisbane after returning match figures of 5-70 in Australia’s innings-and-65-run triumph.

However, the problem which has been troubling him in recent months has flared up sufficiently to rule him out of the match in Adelaide, starting on Friday, and put his participation in the series finale in Perth in doubt.

Victoria pace bowler Clint McKay, who made his ODI debut during the recent series in India, has been included in the 12-man Test squad, although he may find himself behind Doug Bollinger - 12th man at the Gabba - in the pecking order.

“Ben Hilfenhaus has had a widely reported knee tendon injury that was sore during the recent ODI series in India and the first Test at the Gabba,” said Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.

“The demands of Test cricket and the subsequent increased workload have made it harder to manage Ben's injury, so it's been decided that the best course of action is for him to miss the Adelaide Test.

“He will undergo an intense period of rehabilitation over the next two weeks with a view to him being available for selection for the third Test in Perth.”

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch added: “Clint impressed all with his performances in India with the one-day squad and with his bowling for Victoria in the Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield this year.

“We also feel his style of bowling will be well-suited to the conditions in Adelaide should he be selected in the starting 11.”

Australia squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson.