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Doherty back injury adds to Australia’s injury woes

The left-armer was the second spinner injured in the seven-match series after Nathan Hauritz dislocated his shoulder in the second match.

“Xavier Doherty developed some back pain during the one-day game in Adelaide on Australia Day and did not train in Brisbane, which allowed his symptoms to improve,” physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a team statement on Wednesday.

“He attempted some light training yesterday in Sydney and his back was again painful. As such he is unavailable for the remaining two games of this series.

“His return to cricket will be determined by monitoring his recovery over the next week.”

Australia have not yet decided whether to bring anyone in for Doherty, who was expected to replace Hauritz in the Australia World Cup squad if the off-spinner failed to regain fitness in time for the tournament.

There was better news about skipper Ricky Ponting, who faces his own fitness race after breaking a finger in the Ashes series against England.

“Ricky Ponting had his first training session yesterday since having finger surgery after the Melbourne test match,” Kountouris said.

“As part of his recovery this was a restricted session and he is expected to increase his training intensity in the lead up to the World Cup. “He has had no adverse effect from yesterday’s session ...” The World Cup is being co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Feb. 19 to April 2. Australia, who have won the last three versions, have been drawn in Group A for the opening stage along with Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Canada and Pakistan.