Australia captain Ricky Ponting is likely to play in the upcoming seven-match one-day international series against India after being cleared to join the squad despite suffering a hamstring strain.
Ponting was ruled out of Australia's remaining Twenty20 World Cup matches following a hamstring strain during the Super Eight match against Pakistan.
Australia's National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said from South Africa that Ponting would continue his rehabilitation in South Africa before departing with the rest of the squad next week for India.
"Ricky Ponting is making excellent progress following his hamstring strain in the game against Pakistan on Tuesday. Ricky will be coming on the Travelex Tour of India and will resume playing as soon as he is medically cleared," Hilditch said in a media release on Thursday.
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been added to the squad for the India tour to cover for Ponting.
"Brad Haddin has been added to the touring squad and will take part in the Indian tour until such time as Ricky recovers. Although Ricky's injury is very disappointing it gives us an opportunity to recognise the outstanding performances of Brad Haddin domestically and in his limited opportunities for Australia in the past 12 months."
Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris, also with the team in South Africa, said Ponting is making good progress.
"Ricky Ponting is making good progress in the early stages of his injury and is on track to take some part in the tour of India," Kountouris said.
Kountouris also said Australian all-rounder Shane Watson would be assessed over the next 48 hours after leaving the field during Thursday's game against Sri Lanka with hamstring soreness.
"Shane felt some soreness in the left hamstring during today's game and we will continue to assess this over the next 48 hours before any decision is made regarding his availability."
The Australian team is scheduled to depart South Africa for India on September 25 to play seven one-dayers and one Twenty20 game. The first match is scheduled to be played in Bangalore on September 29.
