Tait blow for Australia

Shaun Tait © Getty Images

A nagging elbow injury has forced fast bowler Shaun Tait to withdraw from Australia's ICC World Twenty20 squad.

Australia chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch confirmed that Tait's right elbow had not recovered as well as had been hoped from surgery in June, and the 24-year-old was experiencing some discomfort.

Tait had worked hard to in a bid to be fit for the inaugural World Twenty20 tournament, to be held in South Africa in September, but will now focus on Australia's short tour of India which also begins next month.

“This news is very disappointing for Shaun Tait after such a successful World Cup campaign and I know he was looking forward to being part of the first ICC World Twenty20,” Hilditch said.

“We're really keen, fitness permitting, for Shaun to take part in the India tour which is a very important one-day series and a tremendous springboard for our domestic season of international cricket.”

Tait took 23 wickets in this year's World Cup, equal second with Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, and three behind Australia team-mate Glenn McGrath.

He had a final fitness test a few days ago, and Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said the injury would be reviewed “in the coming weeks”.

“Shaun has recovered slower than expected from right elbow surgery,” Kountouris said.

“Recent efforts to resume bowling have resulted in some elbow discomfort, which is an indication that more time is required for him to start training at a greater intensity.”

Australia have written to the ICC technical committee seeking approval for Ben Hilfenhaus - a 24-year-old fast bowler from Tasmania - to be Tait's replacement.

In 21 first-class matches for Tasmania, Hilfenhaus has taken 99 wickets at 27.52, with best figures of 7-58.

Hilditch believes the competition will give Hilfenhaus, whose cricket CV boasts just one one-day international and one international Twenty20 match, a great opportunity to gain valuable experience.

“Ben is highly regarded and the chance to be part of an Australian touring squad will greatly assist his development,” Hilditch said.

“The flip side is that this presents a great opportunity for a good young fast bowler who had such a good season last year.”

Australia's first match in the tournament is on September 12 against Zimbabwe in Cape Town.