Australia’s bowling resources depleted

Australia's fast-bowling resources have suffered a blow ahead of the second ODI against India to be played in Nagpur today, reports HT Correspondent.

Australia's fast-bowling resources have suffered a blow ahead of the second ODI against India to be played here on Wednesday. All-rounder James Hopes has been ruled out of the match with a hamstring pull and there is a question mark over the fitness of pace spearheads Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson.

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“James Hopes, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson all underwent scans this morning (Monday). James has suffered a minor right hamstring strain. He will, therefore, be unavailable for the next game. He is expected to be available for the latter part of this series,” said a release from the Australian team's media manager.

“Brett Lee has a mild right elbow strain and will continue to be treated and assessed prior to the next game. Mitchell Johnson suffered an inversion strain of his left ankle. He will now receive treatment and, as with Brett, it will depend on how he responds to treatment over the next two days before a decision is made on his availability for the second game of the series,” the release added.

The chief of the Zimbabwean cricket board, Peter Chingoka, has arrived in Nagpur apparently to watch the second ODI between Australia and India. He also visited the local cricket academy. Chingoka's presence in Nagpur is significant because it is the home city of the BCCI president Shashank Manohar.