Peter Siddle became the fourth Australian player to be sent home from the ongoing series because of a fitness problem. The fast bowler, who was leading the attack in absence of Brett Lee and an off-colour Mitchell Johnson, complained of “stiffness on the left side” after the fourth ODI in
Mohali.
Lee, wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine and all-rounder James Hopes had flown back earlier after the Australians landed in India without the injured duo of Michael Clarke and Nathan Bracken. Clint McKay has arrived in Hyderabad as Lee's replacement and is available for the fifth game slated for Thursday. In a press release, the Australian team informed there were talks on a replacement for Siddle but no decision was taken yet.
“Peter's injury does not appear to be a serious problem but it is unlikely he will be able to safely bowl within the next week which would therefore not allow him to have any further participation in the tour,” Cricket Australia physiotherapist Kevin Sims said. “With this in mind, we have made the decision that Peter will return to Australia where he will reviewed by medical staff.”