Mark Waugh to return to Australia

The Rediff Team

Mark Waugh has a fracture in his right little finger and will return home as soon as possible, it was announced on Friday.

An Australian Cricket Board statement said the fracture, in the base of the distal phalanx extending into the adjacent joint, was caused when he was struck by a ball from Javagal Srinath during his match-winning 133 not out in the second one-day international against India, at Pune, on Wednesday.

The blow caused bruising and discomfort and an x-ray was taken in Indore on Friday morning, which revealed the extent of the injury.

Mark will fly with the touring party to Bombay on Saturday evening after the third one-day international in the series and will then travel back to Australia as soon as possible.

The finger will be immobilized and Mark will see a hand specialist on his return to Sydney. The healing period is expected to be around two weeks.

With a limited amount of time left on the tour, no replacement will be called up to take Mark's place, the statement said.

Australian team physiotherapist Patrick Farhart said: "We're confident it's not a serious injury and at a push he could continue to play.

"However, we are taking a safety-first approach in the best interests of both Mark and Australian cricket. It would serve no purpose for Mark to remain with the tour party without playing so it is sensible in this instance that he goes home to allow the injury to heal."

Mark Waugh said: "It's obviously disappointing to miss the last three matches on the tour, especially as I feel I've been in good form over the past few weeks.

"Personally, I feel I've been batting pretty well without always getting the results in terms of runs on the board in the Test series.

"It was disappointing to lose the Test series although the matches were enjoyable to play in. Now though, I can take this opportunity to have an extra break ahead of an intense period of cricket for the Australian team, starting with the tour of the UK in late May, if selected," he added.

The one-day series currently stands at 1-1 following India's win in the first match in Bangalore and Australia's victory in Pune.

The remaining matches in the series are at Indore (March 31), Vizag (April 3) and Goa (April 6).

Earlier report

Hayden, Mcgrath, Mark rested for Indore

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