Injured Hopes ruled out of India-Australia ODI series, McKay replaces Lee

Mohali, Nov 2(ANI): Injured Australian all rounder James Hopes has been ruled out of the seven match ODI series against India after failing to recover from a hamstring strain.

Hopes had damaged his hamstring during the first match of the series in Vadodara and tried in vain to recover until medical staff decided there was little point keeping him in India.

The Australian team was already pushed on the back foot as they lost pace spearhead Brett Lee and wicketkeeper batsman Tim Paine to injuries.

Reacting to Hopes being ruled out, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting said: "Having Hopes in the side always helps as he has made an impact, both with bat and ball, in most of the matches he has played in the past two years. But there's no point bragging as the only way ahead is to play positively."

Victorian paceman Clinton McKay has been chosen by the national selectors as the man to replace Brett Lee, who arrived home early on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph reports.

New South Wales all rounder Moises Henriques had already been called up as cover for Hopes and played in the third match at erozshah Kotla in the national capital. (ANI)