Seven Australian cricketers including former captain Ricky Ponting are making good progress following surgery in their attempts to get fit for Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka. Besides Ponting, off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, leggie Steven Smith, Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, back-up gloveman Tim Paine, and pacemen Clint McKay and John Hastings all suffered injuries and team physio Alex Kountouris feels they all are recovering quickly.
Hauritz missed the World Cup with a shoulder injury and Smith underwent a left ankle surgery to remove a bone spur.
“Hauritz’s rehabilitation is progressing as expected and he will hopefully resume bowling over the next month ,” Kontouris was quoted as saying.
“Ponting also had minor surgery to remove screws placed to stabilise his fractured finger. His preparation for the tour of Sri Lanka is not expected to be affected by this minor procedure.”
Gilly out of Big Bash
Cricket Australia’s hopes of attracting some star power in the inaugural edition of Big Bash has suffered a blow as former Aussie wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist said his participation in the league is “highly unlikely”. Most of Australia’s international players will be unavailable for the league's early seasons, so CA desperately needs marketable cricketers to promote the event.