Siddle joins Australia's band-aid brigade out of India

Sydney, Nov. 3 : Australian pacer Peter Siddle has become the fourth player to be sent home from the team's injury-plagued tour of India, after he reported stiffness in his left side during yesterday's ODI at Mohali.

It was the stiffness that prevented the Victorian paceman from bowling more than five overs during Australia’s 24-run triumph over the hosts.

Siddle, 24, who has been impressive throughout the four-match series, will depart from India on the same flight as fellow injury victim James Hopes, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Paceman Brett Lee and wicketkeeper Tim Paine are already back in Australia due to injuries suffered at the start of the seven-match series.

The decision to send Siddle home is being seen as precautionary, in a bid to ensure his fitness for the first Test against the West Indies in Brisbane on November 26.

"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," team physio Kevin Sims said in the statement.

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

Victorian Clint McKay has been flown in to India as Lee''s replacement. Either he or reserve pace bowler Ben Hilfenahus will play the Hyderabad match due to Siddle''s absence.

--ANI