Aussie woes swell as injured Siddle goes home

New Delhi: The Australian cricket team has created numerous records on the field. But in their on-going tour to India, they seem to be aiming for an eccentric and dubious record of losing maximum players due to injuries mid-way in the series.

The latest name on the Aussie casualty list is that of their current strike bowler Peter Siddle, who beautifully took over the spearheading responsibilities of Aussie bowling in the absence of an injured Brett Lee.

Siddle is set to fly back down-under after he picked up a side-strain during the fourth ODI at Mohali, which the visitors won by 24 runs.

"Cricket Australia today confirmed Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle will return from Australia's Tour of India after experiencing some left side stiffness during last night's victory over India in the fourth ODI at Mohali," CA said in a statement.

Siddle was removed from the attack after he was just half way through his quota of 10 overs at Mohali. He bowled remarkable well in the series, running in hard and troubling the Indian batsmen with his pace and accuracy.

Australian physiotherapist Kevin Sims said though Siddle’s injury was not very serious, they didn’t want to risk his fitness by playing him despite the injury.

"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.

"With this in mind we have made the decision that Peter will return to Australia where he will reviewed by Cricket Australia medical staff to ensure he is available for selection at the beginning of the Australian summer," Sims said.

We might see yet another Australian cricketer flying to India to join the squad mid-way after Henriques and Manou came to replace the injured players. Cricket Australia, though is still discussing the prospect of sending Siddle’s replacement.

Australia have already lost all-rounder James Hopes, pacer Brett Lee and stumper Tim Paine after they arrived in India without vice-captain Michael Clarke and regular wicketkeeper Brad haddin.

With the series wide open at 2-2 with three matches to go, challenges have only increased for the world champions with Siddle’s departure.