Injured Aussies expected to be fit for Ashes
Injured Australia duo Simon Katich and Doug Bollinger are expected to be fit in time for the first Ashes Test in late November.
But with just a month until hostilities get underway against old enemy England, both opener Katich and paceman Bollinger will begin the series with limited preparations. Nonetheless, Australia team physiotherapist http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alex-Kountouris-c43123 believes they’ll be fit to play in the opening Test at the Gabba.
Katich damaged a ligament in his thumb during http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 on the subcontinent but Kountouris has said in a statement that the New South Welshman is expected to be available for selection for his state in Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield games starting November 10th and 17th.
According to Kountouris, Katich has seen a specialist since his return to Australia and has been advised to take a short break from batting. The left-hander is due to resume batting practice next week.
Meanwhile Kountouris said scans on Bollinger’s stomach muscle strain, sustained during Australia’s first Test against India in Mohali, have cleared him of any significant muscle injury.
Bollinger is expected to be available for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Tasmania-c854, beginning on November 17th.
Australia have also welcomed wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (elbow) and fast bowler Peter Siddle (back) back into their squad for their forthcoming limited overs series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758.
Another Australia pace option, Ryan Harris, is progressing well from his knee surgery in July, and could return to domestic cricket for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Queensland-c834 before the Ashes begin on November 25th.
Should all Australia’s Ashes team hopefuls continue their recoveries and returns to competitive cricket as planned, the hosts should have a full strength, if slightly underprepared, squad at their disposal as they seek to win back the Ashes on home soil during the southern hemisphere summer.
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