Injured Bollinger to return home

Nagpur, Feb 25 (PTI) Defending champions Australiasuffered a setback with pacer Doug Bollinger being ruled outof the ongoing World Cup due to an ankle injury.

The left-arm pacer, who is set to fly home to seekopinions of specialists, felt discomfort in his left ankleduring the team''s first warm-up game against India andalthough it improved before Australia''s opening match againstZimbabwe, the problem intensified when the team arrived inNagpur for today''s tie against New Zealand.

"It was only when he bowled yesterday here it became soreagain. He tried bowling again today and he was really sore, sobased on that, based on the sort of injury we''re going to sendhim back to Australia and look at what our options are fortreatment," said team physio Alex Kountouris.

In Australia, Bollinger will have scans to determinewhether he will need an operation or not.

Cricket Australia''s selection committee is expected todecide on a replacement and once the name is announced, itwill have to be approved by the International CricketCouncil''s technical committee.

Australia''s lead-up to the World cup had been hit hard byinjuries to a few key players. They are already missingMichael Hussey, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Clint McKay,Xavier Doherty and Shaun Marsh due to injuries.