Henriques injury prompts call-ups

All-rounder Moises Henriques, who has a hamstring strain, is the latest player to join Australia's ever-growing injury list

Australia have summoned all-rounder Andrew McDonald and uncapped paceman Burt Cockley to India as back-up for their injury-ravaged one-day squad, with Moises Henriques the latest to fly home.

All-rounder Henriques, himself a replacement for the injured James Hopes, was today sent home after suffering a hamstring injury in the fourth one-day international in Mohali.

In addition to Henriques and Hopes, Australia have also lost key quicks Brett Lee and Peter Siddle, plus wicketkeeper Tim Paine.

The series, currently poised at 2-2 going into tomorrow’s fifth match in Hyderabad, started badly for Australia when vice-captain and middle-order lynchpin Michael Clarke was unable to fly to India with the team, along with first-choice gloeman Brad Haddin.

On Henriques, Australia physio Kevin Sims said: "Moises complained of some discomfort after the fourth ODI in Mohali. He had an MRI scan when we arrived in Hyderabad which showed signs of injury to the right hamstring.

"The medical staff believe the injury will not recover sufficiently for him to participate in the last week of the tour and therefore we have decided he will return to Australia where he will continue his treatment."

Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch, explaining the call-ups, said: "In view of the injury to Moises Henriques together with the ongoing player workload concerns of the players currently in India, the NSP has decided to add Andrew McDonald and Burt Cockley to the squad for the balance of the team's tour.

"Andrew played very well for Victoria in the recent Champions League in India, was in very good form in the first Sheffield Shield game scoring a hundred and bowling impressively on a batsman friendly Adelaide wicket.

“We are sure that Andrew will grab his opportunity and perform well in the Australian one-day set up.

"Burt is someone who the NSP has identified in the last 12 months as someone who could have an impact at international level. He performed well in the recent Ford Ranger Cup game against Western Australia and we think he will be well suited to Indian conditions.

"This is a great opportunity for a young Australian fast bowler to have an impact at the international level."