Mark Waugh to return to Australia
The Rediff Team
Mark Waugh has a fracture in his right little finger and will return
home as soon as possible, it was announced on Friday.
An Australian Cricket Board statement said the fracture, in the base of the distal phalanx extending into the
adjacent joint, was caused when he was struck by a ball from Javagal
Srinath during his match-winning 133 not out in the second one-day
international against India, at Pune, on Wednesday.
The blow caused bruising and discomfort and an x-ray was taken in Indore
on Friday morning, which revealed the extent of the injury.
Mark will fly with the touring party to Bombay on Saturday evening after
the third one-day international in the series and will then travel back
to Australia as soon as possible.
The finger will be immobilized and Mark will see a hand specialist on
his return to Sydney. The healing period is expected to be around two
weeks.
With a limited amount of time left on the tour, no replacement will be
called up to take Mark's place, the statement said.
Australian team physiotherapist Patrick Farhart said: "We're confident
it's not a serious injury and at a push he could continue to play.
"However, we are taking a safety-first approach in the best interests of
both Mark and Australian cricket. It would serve no purpose for Mark to
remain with the tour party without playing so it is sensible in this
instance that he goes home to allow the injury to heal."
Mark Waugh said: "It's obviously disappointing to miss the last three
matches on the tour, especially as I feel I've been in good form over
the past few weeks.
"Personally, I feel I've been batting pretty well without always getting
the results in terms of runs on the board in the Test series.
"It was disappointing to lose the Test series although the matches were
enjoyable to play in. Now though, I can take this opportunity to have
an extra break ahead of an intense period of cricket for the Australian
team, starting with the tour of the UK in late May, if selected," he
added.
The one-day series currently stands at 1-1 following India's win in the
first match in Bangalore and Australia's victory in Pune.
The remaining matches in the series are at Indore (March 31), Vizag (April 3) and Goa (April 6).
Earlier report
Hayden, Mcgrath, Mark rested for Indore
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