Harris replaces injured Bracken
The Queensland fast bowler Ryan Harris has been called back into Australia's squad to replace Nathan Bracken, who suffered a slight calf strain during Friday's loss at the SCG
Cricinfo staff
24-Jan-2009
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The Queensland fast bowler Ryan Harris has been called back into Australia's squad to replace Nathan Bracken, who suffered a slight calf strain during the three-wicket loss at the SCG on Friday. Bracken has been ruled out of the fourth fixture against South Africa in Adelaide on Monday - the visitors lead the five-match contest 2-1 - and it is a big blow for the hosts.
Bracken's tight bowling has been crucial at the start and finish of the innings, picking up 1 for 29 from nine overs in Sydney, but scans showed a small strain. "We will continue to assess the injury over the next few days before a decision can be made on Nathan's availability for the Perth games against South Africa and New Zealand," Australia's physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.
Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said: "It is disappointing to lose Nathan for such a critical game, particularly given his current form and world ranking in the one-day format of the game. However, it does provide Ryan with another opportunity to come back into the Australian squad after a good performance during his debut in Hobart."
Harris, who collected 1 for 54 in Australia's five-run win in the second match, was released from the squad to accommodate Mitchell Johnson. Johnson came back in Sydney after a much-needed rest following the Test series against New Zealand and South Africa.