Injured Siddle to fly home

New Delhi, Nov 3 : Australian paceman Peter Siddle became the latest in the tourists' side to be forced out of the remainder of the seven-match ODI series against India and is set to return home.

Siddle experienced stiffness in his left side during the Australia's 24-run victory in the fourth one-day international here last night, in which he bowled five overs.

Australia levelled the series 2-2 with the fifth match to be played in Hyderabad on Thursday.

''Peter's injury does not appear to be a serious problem but it is unlikely he will be able to safely bowl within the next week which would therefore not allow him to have any further participation in the tour,'' the Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement today.

''With this in mind we have made the decision that Peter will return to Australia where he will (be) reviewed by Cricket Australia medical staff to ensure he is available for selection at the beginning of the Australian summer,'' the statement added.

A replacement has yet to be named.

Pace spearhead Brett Lee, all-rounder James Hopes and stand-in wicketkeeper Tim Paine have already returned home with injuries while first-choice wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, vice-captain Michael Clarke and left-arm seamer Nathan Bracken could not tour with the team due to injuries.

--UNI

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