Damien Martyn to miss World Cup semi-final due to injury

Australian batsman Damien Martyn has been ruled-out of tomorrow's (18 March) World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka after sustaining a fracture of his right index finger.

A replacement for Martyn in tomorrow's XI has yet to be named.

Martyn suffered the injury on Saturday (15 March) whilst fielding during Australia's five-wicket victory over Kenya in Durban.

The Western Australian underwent x-rays in Port Elizabeth this morning having experienced swelling and on-going pain since incurring the injury.

Australian physiotherapist Errol Alcott said it is hard to speculate on Martyn's availability for the World Cup final, should the side defeat Sri Lanka tomorrow.

"The main symptoms of this fracture are limitation of movement, pain and swelling," Alcott said.

"We will be waiting to see whether those three problem areas subside, before making any further decisions about Damien's short-term future."

"Until that time it will just be a case of reviewing the finger daily and treating it accordingly," he said.

Martyn, who has scored 235 runs at an average of 47.00 so far this tournament expressed disappointment at missing the match.

"Naturally I'm disappointed to be missing the semi-final, but the finger's pretty sore at the moment and there's not much movement there, so it's probably a wise move that I sit this one out," Martyn said.

"Should we get through the match, I will be doing my utmost to get it right ahead of Sunday's final in Johannesburg.

"That will involve ongoing work with Errol Alcott over the next few days," he said.

Australia`s semi-final against Sri Lanka is on 18 March at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth.