Tait targets Chappell-Hadlee comeback

Shaun Tait has resigned himself to sitting out of international cricket until at least December following his latest injury setback. Tait has no plans to rush back after suffering elbow soreness during South Australia's Pura Cup match against Tasmania last week.

He was named in Australia's 13-man squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka but was replaced by Ben Hilfenhaus when his injury troubles occurred. It continued a frustrating period for Tait, whose recovery has been much slower than expected following surgery on his right elbow in June.

Tait was not expecting to take part in the Redbacks' one-day and Pura Cup games this week after sending down 39 overs against Tasmania. "I am not sure when I will bowl but it might be the case I am ruled out of the first two Tests," Tait told the Advertiser.

"It's one of those things that I don't think anyone really knows. I will have to play it by ear. The first innings was okay in Tasmania. I bowled 27 overs and it was good to get them in. The second spell of the second innings it stared to get a bit sore."

Although scans showed there was no more damage to the elbow, Tait will not take any risks in his continued recovery. "I scar badly and am a slow healer," he said. "I won't be rushing back. There was such a big build-up so to miss the first Test is pretty frustrating."

Tait is hoping to be ready for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series that kicks off in Adelaide on December 14. He will have at most two Pura Cup games to prove his fitness before the New Zealand matches.