Double shocker: Lee, Johnson out of Nagpur tie

Nagpur: The frenetic pace of international cricket is sparing none. Not even Australia — perhaps the fittest side of contemporary cricket. Close on the heels of James Hopes being sidelined for the second ODI at Nagpur due to hamstring injury, comes a double-shocker for the Aussie side. Now two of their frontline speedsters, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson, have been ruled out of the Nagpur tie due to injuries.

“Our medical staff have now decided that while both Brett Lee (right elbow) and Mitchell Johnson's (left ankle) injuries have responded well to treatment, they are still not ready for tomorrow’s match," said Andrew Hilditch, National Selection Panel Chairman.

As Hopes' hamstring injury is the most serious of them all and is likely keep him out of the third match as well, the Australian team management has decided to call up New South Wales all-rounder Moises Henriques as a back-up for the Queenslander.

"Given the most significant injury appears to be Hopes' hamstring we have taken this opportunity to add Moises Henriques to the squad until the completion of game four in Mohali where we will again assess the situation before it is decided if he remains with the squad," informed Hilditch.

According to Hilditch, the disappointing injury situation in the Aussie camp will provide young Henriques the all important experience of being in the national team environment.

"While the injury situation is disappointing it does provide an opportunity for Moises to join the Australian squad and become familiar in this environment,

"His form for Australia A in Pakistan and for New South Wales during the recent Champions League in India has been very good and we view him as an exciting young all-rounder who will be looking to make the most of this opportunity in India," said an optimistic Hilditch.

Henriques is expected to arrive to Delhi on Tuesday and join the rest of the squad when they reach the capital city on Thursday.

A spate of injuries had already ruled out four Australian players — Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Callum Ferguson and Nathan Bracken — from the series. With three more players joining the injury list, Australia have now lost seven of their frontline players.