Another injury blow for Australia, Siddle heads back home

Injury woes continue to hound the Australian cricket team in the ongoing ODI series against India with pacer Peter Siddle becoming the latest to head back home due to a side strain he picked up during the fourth one-dayer in Mohali.

"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 bowled just five overs during Australia's 24-run victory on Monday night and physiotherapist Kevin Sims said though the injury was not very serious, he did not want to take a chance with the pacer's fitness.

"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.

CA's National Selection Panel is currently discussing the possibility of a replacement player joining the squad and an announcement would be made later.

Every passing match has multiplied Australia's injury problems in the ongoing series.

The world champions landed here a depleted side, missing vice-captain and middle-order mainstay Michael Clarke. It became worse thereafter as pace spearhead Brett Lee, all-rounder James Hopes, wicketkeeper Time Paine headed home after picking up different injuries.

The series is currently tied 2-2 and the fifth match is scheduled on Thursday in Hyderabad.