Injured Bracken out of VB Series opener

Cricket Australia today announced that fast-bowler Nathan Bracken will miss the opening matches of the VB Series one-day internationals due to a grade-one strain of his left hip muscle.

He will be replaced in the 13-man squad by Western Australian Brad Williams who will travel to Melbourne today with the remainder of the Australian squad which has been in Sydney for the fourth 3-sponsored Test against India.

Bracken sustained the injury whilst fielding on the first morning of the Sydney Test, but continued to take part in the match.

After consultation with team physiotherapist Errol Alcott this morning, it was decided that Bracken would undergo rest and rehabilitation before being reassessed by selectors and medical staff later in the series.

Errol Alcott said: "Nathan sustained the injury whilst fielding during the first day of the Sydney Test.

"It is not a major injury and we are confident that he will improve quickly, but it would be unwise for him to carry this injury into a fairly intense round of matches.

"It is fair to say that he bowled through pain in Sydney, but knowing what was on the line he was keen to keep going and was treated accordingly," he said.

Nathan Bracken said: "Obviously I am disappointed because it's always a thrill to represent Australia and I was keen to play one-day cricket again after our great tour of India.

"But this is just a minor set-back and having spoken to Errol, I am hopeful that the injury can heal quickly and that I will be back playing sooner rather than later," he said.