Injury forces Symonds out of tri-series

Symonds, who has ruptured the biceps tendon in his right shoulder, said he was unsure how long he will be out of cricket.

Andrew Symonds has ruptured the biceps tendon in his right shoulder and will miss the rest of the triangular one-day cricket series against New Zealand and England, Cricket Australia said on Saturday.

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Symonds was forced to retire hurt during Australia's innings in their 92-run defeat to England here on Friday.

The all-rounder had scans Saturday and is facing surgery, possibly on Sunday, team doctor Trefor James said in a statement just weeks ahead of the World Cup.

"Andrew Symonds has ruptured the biceps tendon in the right shoulder and will receive surgery -- probably as early as tomorrow -- to repair the tendon," James said.

"Andrew will certainly miss the remainder of the tri-series and will undergo intensive physiotherapy following surgery.

"His return to cricket will depend on his progress."

Symonds, who is a key member of Australia's team for next month's World Cup in the West Indies, said he was unsure how long he will be out of cricket.

"We won't know how bad this injury is until after surgery. I felt it go during the game but I didn't realise how bad it was," Symonds said in the statement.

"I batted on but the pain was considerable and I was advised by the team physio to come off.

"I feel optimistic about the future because I know I'm a good healer -- my wrist injury healed quicker than expected and is fine now.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get back as quickly as possible."

Skipper Ricky Ponting has recovered from a hip injury which forced him out of the England loss and leads the side against New Zealand in Melbourne on Sunday with Brad Hodge and Shaun Tait holding their places and Brett Lee coming in for Nathan Bracken.

Australia - Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Brad Hodge, Mike Hussey, Cameron White, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark, Shaun Tait. Glenn McGrath 12th man.