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Duncan Fletcher has allayed fears about the fitness of England’s captain, Andrew Flintoff, who bowled just four overs on the fourth morning at Adelaide before playing no further role in England’s attack. Flintoff was off the field when Australia were finally bowled out for 513 shortly after tea, but Fletcher insisted the break from action was purely precautionary.”He felt a slight discomfort and he just wanted to make sure everything was alright,” Fletcher told reporters afterwards. “He came off and we just felt more comfortable with the other bowlers bowling. Basically he’s making steady progress. He’s played back-to-back Tests and he’s done quite a bit of bowling in that time, but we’ve got no worries at the moment.”Flintoff’s fitness is absolutely pivotal to England’s Ashes chances, but Fletcher insisted that the problem was simply a side-effect of his long injury lay-off. He underwent further surgery on his troublesome left ankle in June, and returned to action in India in September for the ICC Champions Trophy. Unless a surprise is in store tomorrow, he will not have to bowl again competitively until the third Test starts at Perth on Thursday week.”It’s a light discomfort, but the medical staff are confident at the moment and say it’s just from having been off and coming back from injury. We are just going to have to wait and see what he’s like after couple of days, but we’re not even going to send him for a scan at this stage. He just feels he’s been overbowled in back-to-back Tests.”An injury to Flintoff would be considerably more damaging to England than any concerns that Glenn McGrath’s ankle has been causing to Australia, but Fletcher insisted that Flintoff would have been fit to bowl had he been required today. “We discussed it and he could have taken the new ball. In fact, it would have been him and Steve Harmison.”

An invention, of potentially outstanding use to the cricket world from club through to international levels, needs funding for a revamp of its electronic circuitry.Dr Brian Wilkins, known to many cricketers as the author of two books on bowling, and articles in The Cricketer International, has also been involved in the development of a machine which measures the properties of cricket pitches.The prototype (Mark 1) has been tested on New Zealand pitches and, although it is cumbersome, and somewhat inaccurate on bounce, it has yielded useful new information.From this developed a Mark 2 machine, made and funded by Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). The new machine is mechanically superior as well as incorporating a new concept arising out of research carried out by Dr Colin Cook of VUW.This concept both increases the accuracy of the bounce and pace measurements but also allows, for the first time, the measurement of the friction (or grip) of a pitch. The output is programmed to download onto a laptop computer for processing into any desired form.Although the new machine and the new concepts incorporated in it have been validated, it needs a new set of electronic circuitry. The present circuitry constructed by a technician at VUW is prone to breakdown and needs to be completely rebuilt along with an improved mounting of the laser sources.Following the reorganisation of the physical sciences department at VUW no more funding was available for the project. The ownership of the machine, and of the intellectual property associated with it, has now passed to the individuals involved with the invention.They would like to hear from anyone interested in helping to bringing this machine to its full capability. They have been advised that $NZ50,000 is needed for the work. The ultimate marketability of the machine is as yet undetermined and will remain so until this prototype Mk 2 shows its full capabilities in the field, however, there has been intense interest in it from a number of quarters.Dr Wilkins is happy to provide more information to anyone who may be interested in helping to complete this project and receive a share of possible future profits. He can be contacted at 92 Kelburn Parade, Wellington, or by email [email protected], or phone (04) 977 3975.

Ah, the first one-day international of the Australian summer! Time to dust off the hole-in-the-ozone-layer-deflecting hats. Time to test the endurance of the plus-30-factor sunscreen. Time to iron the singlet tops, shorts, and/or amusing costumes, and enter the stadium arguing about possible match-affecting weather patterns, while casting a glance at the unpredictable early-December skies. Yes, the first pyjama party of the long, hot season took place tonight in Melbourne.It was the inaugural game of the newly-instigated Chappell-Hadlee Trophy between Australia and New Zealand. Players were donning red ribbons to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS. And boy, was the match hyped: Michael Clarke even strode to the crease wearing the No. 23 shirt handed to him earlier in the week by Shane Warne. The game itself was slapdash and wham-bam and took place at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome. Under a closed roof.That’s right. There was little need for the hats and sun-screen, and even less requirement for climatic investigations or text-messaging the weather bureau. The much-touted state-of-the-art roof, capable of retracing in 20 minutes, was shut tighter than a politician’s wallet, and anyone expecting a typical summer’s evening of cricket had obviously boarded the wrong tram. The Telstra Dome’s overseers were calling it the advent of a new sporting era. Some fans, however, were calling it anything but cricket.”The weather and this game are supposed to go hand in hand,” claimed Daniel from the neighbouring suburb of North Melbourne. “In here it’s more like a mad scientist’s laboratory.” He slumped down in his seat, ignoring the personalised pop-up screen capable of displaying statistics, bowling changes and field placements on demand. “All this high-tech stuff doesn’t mean much to me. It’s a simple game. Why complicate it?” he moaned. “The wind should dictate the bowling. The light should influence the batsman. In here we don’t know if it’s day or night, hot or cold. I’m part of some controlled experiment.”

In the upper section, a group of New Zealand supporters agreed. “I can’t believe I’ll go home tonight without a T-shirt tan,” laughed Rebecca from Auckland, as she displayed her black shirt with the silver fern proudly emblazoned on the back.”Where’s the smell of sunscreen? Where’s the breeze? Where’s the atmosphere?” asked her husband Morris. He’d opted for the beige polyester figure-hugging World Series Cricket-inspired T-shirt, set off by the Dennis Lillee-inspired terry-towelling headband. “Somehow it doesn’t seem like the kind of stadium you could grow to love.”Fair point. The Telstra Dome in Melbourne’s Docklands isn’t exactly what you’d call lovable. The grey, metallic architecture is far from pretty. Four years old and having already undergone three name changes, it’s eons away from being historical, and with a capacity of a tad over 53,000, it’s not really a behemoth to pack ’em in the aisles, so doesn’t hold a candle to the MCG or Eden Gardens. What it lacks in form, however, it makes up for in content. This shiny, easily accessible venue hosts a plethora of top-notch sporting events, including Australian Rules footy, soccer, rugby league, rugby union – and the odd bit of international cricket. As the 30,000-strong crowd applauded, Mexican waved, and brandished a sea of blow-up plastic fingers in the air, even detractors had to admit that the Telstra Dome is a very efficient host.And for those who still needed convincing, there were the sporting optimists, ready to embrace the venue and all its facets. “I first saw cricket here in the winter of 2000 when the South Africans played, and I came again for the Pakistan game in 2002,” said Martin from the nearby city of Geelong. “It’s fascinating to watch the game with the roof closed,” he continued. “You don’t get distracted by anything, and can concentrate on what’s going on in the middle. The outside world doesn’t exist, and sometimes that’s a good thing.”His friend Nigel was keen to interrupt: “It’s more egalitarian than other cricket venues,” he nodded, while enjoying his own pop-up screen. “No-one is in the sun all day. No-one has to complain about the seating. Everyone can get to the bar. The toilets are clean. It’s a spectator’s dream come true.”Fair point too. The Telstra Dome is perfectly functional. By the end of the night, as the Kiwis snatched victory, and the fans went into applauding, Mexican-waving and finger-brandishing overdrive, it seemed the perfect, slapdash, wham-bam start to the limited-overs circus. And everyone had forgotten that the roof was closed.Christine Davey is a freelance writer based in Melbourne.

Yuvraj Singh is the second Indian to play for Yorkshire – the first was Sachin Tendulkar. Yuvraj’s season started with a couple of bright knocks, most notably a 71 off 37 in a Twenty20 game against Leicestershire. However, since then Yuvraj has struggled to get among the runs, and his season has been punctuated by a string of low scores, especially in the four-day competition.
Yorkshire averagesAugust 25-28 Frizzell County Championship
Yorkshire drew with GlamorganNo frolic on the Colwyn Bay sands for Yuvraj, who made 2 and 6 in a match that Yorkshire almost lost. They were 124 for 6 chasing 381 on the last day when Anthony McGrath, who had made 92 in the first innings, weighed in with 127 not out. For Yuvraj, a miserable season got even more depressing.
Scorecard ReportAugust 24 National Cricket League
Yorkshire lost to Glamorgan by 1 runYorkshire fell short in a thrilling chase, as Glamorgan sneaked to a one-run win. Yuvraj came in at No. 5 and scored 23 off 30 balls, but despite Michael Lumb’s 92 from 94 balls, Yorkshire couldn’t quite get past Glamorgan’s score of 237.
Scorecard ReportAugust 17 National Cricket League
Yorkshire beat Worcestershire by 3 wicketsYuvraj’s dismal county season in England continued with Yorkshire’s National League game against Worcestershire. He made 12 – quickly too, off five balls with three fours – before being dismissed off his sixth ball. His contribution to Yorkshire’s successful chase of 171 was thus almost negligible.
Scorecard ReportAugust 3 National Cricket League
Yorkshire lost to Gloucestershire by 8 wicketsReturning to the team after being dropped for a four-day match, Yuvraj’s form showed no sign of improvement, as he scored just 5 from 12 balls. There was some cheer for him, though, when he dismissed Alexander Gidman to pick up his first wicket in the National League championship. Gloucestershire romped past the Yorkshire total of 183 to win by eight wickets.
Scorecard ReportJuly 27 National Cricket League
Yorkshire beat Kent by 18 runsYuvraj contributed just 11 runs in Yorkshire’s total of 197 in 45 overs, but it was enough to seal an 18-run win as Kent were bowled out for 179.
Scorecard ReportJuly 23-26 Frizzell County Championship
Yorkshire drew with HampshireYuvraj’s run of poor form continued against Hampshire. He managed a mere 26 as Yorkshire put together 384, thanks mainly to 155 from Matthew Wood. In response, Hampshire scored 289, and even that would not have been possible if not for Simon Katich’s unbeaten 143. Rain prevented play on the third day, and in their second dig, Yorkshire rattled up a quick 211 with Yuvraj having to remain content with an unbeaten zero off just as many balls. Hampshire clung on to earn a draw after being set 307 to win in 80 overs.
Scorecard ReportJuly 15-18 Frizzell County Championship
Yorkshire lost to Durham by three wicketsMore failures for Yuvraj – he was dismissed for just 7 and 0, taking his Frizzell Championship aggregate to 111 in seven completed innings. This merely capped a wretched outing for Yorkshire, who slid to a three-wicket loss against Durham.
Scorecard ReportJuly 6 National Cricket League
Yorkshire lost to Surrey by seven wicketsYuvraj made 25 off 27, with five fours, but, yet again, failed to convert his start into something more substantial. Yorkshire were all out for 199, and Surrey won easily, thanks largely to a century from Mark Butcher.
Scorecard ReportJuly 2-5 Frizzell County Championship
Yorkshire beat Derbyshire by 10 wicketsYorkshire won handily, but Yuvraj hardly contributed. He made a laboured 6 off 31 balls in the first innings, and did not bat in the second as Yorkshire won by 10 wickets. His Indian counterpart in Derbyshire, Mohammad Kaif, had a mixed outing – he followed a duck in the first innings with a combative 87 in the second.
Scorecard ReportJune 27-30 Frizzell County Championship
Yorkshire beat Somerset by 10 wicketsAnother failure for Yuvraj in the longer version of the game – he managed just 5 to take his aggregate to 98 in five Frizzell County Championship innings – but Yorkshire eked out a comfortable 10-wicket win.
Scorecard ReportJune 24 Twenty20 Cup
Yorkshire beat Nottinghamshire by 18 runsAn uneventful game for Yuvraj: he made 4 when Yorkshire batted first and scored 196, and took a wicket in the only over he bowled. Yorkshire won by 18 runs, their margin of defeat in their National League game just two days ago.
Scorecard ReportJune 22 National Cricket League
Yorkshire lost to Leicestershire by 18 runsYuvraj made 50 off 46 opening the batting, but once he was out, Yorkshire lost their way, and fell 18 runs short of Leicestershire’s total of 251. Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj’s Indian counterpart in Leicestershire, starred for them, making 65 off 80. Yuvraj had a bad day with the ball, with figures of 0 for 54 in seven overs.
Scorecard ReportJune 20 Twenty20 Cup
Yorkshire beat Durham by 55 runsYuvraj opened the batting as Yorkshire batted first and began belligerently, smashing 22 off 9 balls with 3 fours and a six. Yorkshire kept the tempo up after his dismissal and ended with 198. Durham never had a chance, and Yuvraj played a key role with the ball as well, picking up 3 for 20 in his 3 overs.
Scorecard ReportJune 19 Twenty20 Cup
Yorkshire lost to Lancashire by 7 wicketsYuvraj, opening the batting, made 13 off 11, as Yourshire could tot up only 102 in their 20 overs. Lancashire overhauled their target with 41 balls to spare.
Scorecard ReportJune 16 Twenty20 Cup
Yorkshire lost to Leicestershire by 16 runsYuvraj hammered 71 from 37 balls, but it wasn’t enough to help Yorkshire overhaul Leicestershire’s total of 174. For the second Twenty20 game in a row, Yuvraj’s Indian conuterpart in the opposing side made a first-ball duck; two days ago it had been Mohammad Kaif for Derbyshire; now it was Virender Sehwag.
Scorecard ReportJune 14 Twenty20 Cup
Yorkshire beat Derbyshire by 45 runsYuvraj made a sensible 44 off 42 balls as Yorkshire posted 186 in their 20 overs. Despite a battling 67 from Michael di Venuto, Derbyshire were never in the hunt. Yuvraj’s Indian team-mate, Mohmmad Kaif, made a first ball duck.
Scorecard ReportJune 8 National Cricket League
Yorkshire lost to Kent by 22 runsAn unhappy outing for Yuvraj. Kent made 208 in 45 overs batting first (Yuvraj 0 for 22 in four overs) but Yorkshire stumbled early and could not recover. Yuvraj, batting at No. 5, made just 9.
Scorecard ReportMay 30-June 1 Frizzell County Championship
Yorkshire lost to Durham by 167 runsYuvraj made a solid 56, off 83 balls, in Yorkshire’s first innings, as they posted 220 in reply to Durham’s 280. Durham then made 200 and skittled Yorkshire out for 93. Yuvraj was one of nine batsmen to be dismissed on single figures – batting at No. 3, he made 1.
Scorecard ReportMay 28 C&G Trophy
Yorkshire lost to Worcestershire by 67 runsYuvraj, batting at No. 5, made 27 off 32 in an unsuccessful run chase, as Yorkshire fell short of Worcestershire’s 244 by 67 runs. Earlier, he had turned his arm over to some effect, conceding only 27 runs in his 6 overs.
Scorecard ReportMay 25 National Cricket League
Yorkshire lost to Glamorgan by 4 wicketsYuvraj played well for his 34, off 53 balls, but it wasn’t enough – Yorkshire scored 153 in their 32 overs, and lost easily in a rain-curtailed game which was decided, eventually, by Duckworth-Lewis.
Scorecard ReportMay 21-24 Frizzell County Championship
Yorkshire drew with GlamorganYuvraj made an uneventful debut for Yorkshire, scoring 11 in the first innings and being unbeaten on 25, off 51 balls, in the second innings. The weather was factor in this game, which drifted to a tepid draw.
Scorecard Report

It is not often that Barbados cricket selectors are praised.Especially from someone who was axed from the national teamwhile he was on a high.But these days, Stanton Proverbs has nothing but admirationfor the men responsible for picking the Barbados team. Andafter he became the first player this season to complete thecricketing double of 50 wickets and 500 runs in the 2001Courts/Suzuki Division 1 competition, the Police captain isinstead bemoaning the attitude of the youngsters.Proverbs has so far yielded 52 wickets from his off-spin and582 runs from his blade in ten matches.Nearing the end of his career for Barbados he produced ascintillating 112 as he led the charge for victory overTrinidad and Tobago, but ever since, he has been aspectator. However, he is far from bitter.The 33-year-old’s maturity and mode suggests that the moreolder you grow, the wiser you get, as he discussed thedifficult role selectors face because of impressiveperformances from senior players in Division 1 cricket,against some patchy periods from the younger brigade.Proverbs says that some young players need to reallychallenge the older ones for a play in the squad. He says itirks him when people cry down the Barbados CricketAssociation (BCA) for not developing cricket, or not doingenough to encourage young people into playing.I think the BCA is doing a lot. They have coaches spread outin the country. Good coaches, like George Linton, ThelstonPayne and those guys working with the youngsters at everylevel. So I think they are doing all they can.The problem to me is that the youngsters don’t seem to bededicated enough to the sport. We can’t blame the selectorsor the BCA, I think they are doing their part. Youngstersneed to understand that they can make a living out ofplaying cricket and once they are involved they have to keepworking at their fitness and continually working at theirgame.Proverbs, who also a superb volleyballer before embarking ona cricket career, has adopted a totally unselfish attitudeto playing cricket again for Barbados. Instead, he wants tobe part of a team that can in anyway help to develop andbuild the character of younger players.The way I see life is that people will give way to you andat times you have to give way to others. It’s never an easyjob for the selectors. I think they are trying to give theyoungsters an opportunity to come through and play for theWest Indies.But at the same time there are looking to give some of theguys who have played for the West Indies a second chance, soyou have to appreciate that it’s a difficult job to get theright mix and the right blend.Regardless of what they do, you have to support them.Whether you are outside or inside the team.There is another thing he remains passionate about on thecricket field. That is, his commitment to Police and thetime he is devoting to continuing his success.After all, 50 wickets and 500 runs don’t come easy.The achievement is one I would say was never beyond me. Forthe last couple of seasons I have been getting 38, 40wickets and scoring over 500 runs. Because of the coveredwickets I’ve had the opportunity to bowl a bit more thisseason.If you think Proverbs has achieved his goal, guess again.When you check the statistics by the end of this year, don’tbe surprised if you see Stanton Proverbs in the 700-runcolumn and 70-wicket club.After all, he’s already ahead of the pack.

ScorecardBen Foakes took another chance to shine in Surrey’s Championship side•Getty Images

Ben Foakes left Essex at the end last season for Surrey in pursuit of more first-team cricket. While he has got his chances in the limited-overs side he has only made the Championship team when others have been unavailable.When Gary Wilson has not been around he has kept wicket, when Jason Roy was away with England he earned a few games as a specialist batsman. A broken finger for Steven Davies saw him back in the team as a batsman. There is an argument to be made that a fit Zafar Ansari could have meant that Foakes would have missed out here.He has certainly made the most of his opportunities when he has been selected. His hundred takes his season total to 499 runs at an average of 62. Such are Surrey’s batting riches there is every chance that Foakes will still be fighting for a spot even after this innings with the return of Kumar Sangakkara imminent and Arun Harinath having just put pen to a new two year deal – although by rights his hundred here should have moved him up the queue.Foakes’ innings was near faultless, the one mistake came when he top edged a ball from James Fuller when on 75 that ballooned into the leg side but out of the reach of Gareth Roderick. Surrey could well have used this Foakes effort as platform to build an insurmountable position in this game. However, despite some excellent starts from the others in the Surrey middle order no one could keep Foakes company in a really significant partnership.Gloucestershire’s bowlers could not make up for the batting profligacy yesterday as the Surrey batsman got up to and beyond their host’s total with real ease, but there was a steady flow of wickets from that point onwards with Surrey’s batsmen playing a significant hand in their dismissals. In an attack without Craig Miles, who is still recovering from his back problems, Gloucestershire looked to be missing a spark.The day began with Sam Curran batting as nightwatchman and there was no clearer example of how poorly the Gloucestershire top order had performed on the opening day than witnessing a 17-year-old in his third first-class game ease his way to a career-best 49.When Curran’s dismissal did come it was surprise. The weight of the milestone he was approaching began to tell as he lost his fluency but he did not look like getting dismissed. A short, wide ball from Kieran Noema-Barnett was there to be hit but it caught the top edge and flew into the hands of David Payne at point. It was hugely disappointing for the young man to go so close to his first half-century at this level but on the evidence of today it will not be long before he has a chance to get there again.He was replaced by Steven Davies and the left-hander looked completely at ease at the crease on his way to 23 only to get out leaving a ball from Jack Taylor that bowled him. It is the second time in as many Championship matches that Davies has departed this way having done the same off the bowling of Monty Panesar at Colchester against Essex.Next it was Jason Roy’s turn to get out just as he looked well set. He had been dismissive of the bowling of Noema-Barnett up to that point before being trapped lbw by a full delivery. Surrey were guilty of not putting the destination of this game beyond all doubt – five men made it past 20 but did not go past 50. If one of the batsmen could have stayed with Foakes for a sustained period Surrey could have had been looking at declaring this evening. With the poor weather forecast for the next two days they need to keep the game moving to force a victory.As it is the undefeated 140 from Foakes, his third century against Gloucestershire in his career and his second this season, left Surrey fighting the weather for the win more than their opponents. Having started the day with just eight runs to his name Foakes made it all the way through to the close when a foreshadowing of the weather that is forecast in the coming days brought the today to a premature end with Surrey 116 runs in front.Surrey may consider an overnight declaration, but with them just one run shy of a third batting bonus point they may feel inclined to continue in the morning, providing the weather allows it.

Scorecard

Matthew Hayden’s powerful 179 combined with the inability of New South Wales’ all-star attack to finish off the tail left Queensland with a healthy lead of 316 at stumps. In reply to 467 the Blues were 3 for 151 with Simon Katich unbeaten on 70 and Dominic Thornely on 7.Katich’s 103-ball effort gave his side some hope as Mitchell Johnson’s first chance with a red ball in some time – he took 0 for 70 from 15 overs – was costly. Phil Jaques (34) did not convert his start but probably has the Test opening slot sewn up anyway after his main opponent Brad Hodge failed in Melbourne.It was a tough day for Australia’s contracted bowlers; Lee finished with 0 for 113 and Stuart MacGill 3 for 183 from 36 overs as Queensland moved to 467. Ashley Noffke was again useful with 50, while Chris Hartley (34) and Johnson (33) each contributed as the last four partnerships added 146.Michael Clarke’s part-time spin was required to clean up the lower order; he took 3 for 22 while Stuart Clark finished with 3 for 79, including the vital wickets of Hayden and Andrew Symonds, who made 44. Hayden hit two sixes and 20 fours on his way to 179, adding 76 to his overnight score.

After successfully having his ten-year English ban reduced to three years, Mark Vermeulen has returned home to Zimbabwe with one thing in mind – winning back his place in the Zimbabwe national side.Vermeulen batted and bowled for his old club Old Hararians in a league match against Royal in the Harare provincial Vigne Cup on Sunday, but was dismissed for 1 after struggling with the pace of the ball and pitch conditions. “The wickets in England are a bit slow because of the rains,” Vermeulen said. “Coming back home where the pitches are rock hard, the ball skidded a lot and my shorts where hurried. But I enjoy playing pace … wait until I hit up and you’ll see”.Vermeulen, who flew back to Zimbabwe on Wednesday, revealed that his decision return was prompted by comments from Peter Chingoka, Zimbabwe Cricket’s interim chairman, that he was free to come back and fight for his place. “I read somewhere that Peter Chingoka said I was allowed to come and play and I came back. That’s what I like doing, playing cricket.”He did note, however, that there was not enough domestic first-class cricket within Zimbabwe: “I need to be playing two or three games a week. To play one game this Sunday and the next the following Sunday is frustrating.”While saying his main target is Zimbabwe’s 2007 World Cup squad, Vermeulen said he will happy to make the A side first and work his way up. “I think there are some A side matches coming up. I am hoping to at least get into the A tours.”But he ruled out returning to South Africa, where he played club cricket before his summer in England. “At the end of last season I was playing in South Africa because there was no club cricket in Zimbabwe. Now they have sorted out club cricket here so I won’t be going to South Africa.”

Pakistan have said that they will send Shabbir Ahmed to Australia for further remedial work on his suspect action so that he can be available for selection for the series against England in October 2005.Shabbir will leave for Australia on September 25 and will undergo tests under the supervision of Bruce Elliot, a biomechanics expert. “We hope that a new report on his [Shabbir] action will be sent to the International Cricket Council within 10 days, and if it comes about we will talk to the ICC to review his action by the third week of October,” Saleem Altaf, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director of operations, was quoted as saying by AFP.”I am confident that I will get the all clear before the England series,” said Shabbir. “It’s a frustrating period but I hope I will come through.” Shabbir was reported for a third time for an illegal action in the West Indies in May and banned from bowling at international level after tests in July.

Ricky Ponting, Australia’s captain, has been ruled out of the first Test against India at Bangalore, which starts on October 6, with a fractured left thumb. The injury occurred while Ponting was fielding at slip during Australia’s loss to England in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston yesterday, with diagnostic scans revealing a break. Ponting will return to Australia for medical consultation, with his prospects for the rest of the series yet to be determined.”Ricky was in considerable pain overnight and got very little sleep, so we had the injury seen to as quickly as possible today," explained Errol Alcott, the Australian physiotherapist. “The scans have detected a fracture in his left thumb, and we feel that it is in his best interests to get home now and receive the best possible medical advice. We can’t make any bold predictions about a return date for Ricky until he has seen a hand specialist back in Australia.”Ponting, who averages almost 56 with the bat against India in Tests, expressed his sadness at missing the first Test, but backed his side to fill in admirably without him. “I’m obviously very disappointed but have great faith in all of my team-mates to do the job in my absence," he said. "I’ll do everything I can to get back as quickly as possible, but to achieve that I will have to be guided by the experts. I desperately want to be on that plane to India, and if everything goes according to plan, I’ll still be able to play some part in the series, sooner I hope, rather than later.”In the meantime, the boys know exactly what needs to be done because we have put a great deal of work into preparing for this tour. This series means so much to us all. It could be one of the biggest Test series ever played, so to be missing the start of it is really disappointing.”Ponting’s replacement in the 16-man squad is yet to be named, and the position of captain will also be reviewed in his absence.