The Australia reserve opener Phil Jaques was due to leave the tour onFriday after succumbing to a long-standing back problem
Cricinfo staff17-Oct-2008
A back injury has ended Phil Jaques’ tour © AFP
Australia’s reserve opener Phil Jaques was due to leave the tour of India onFriday after succumbing to a long-standing back problem. Jaques, whopartnered Matthew Hayden throughout the 2007-08 season, was overlooked for thefirst Test in Bangalore when the selectors preferred Simon Katich.Jaques is the second squad member to make an early departure following Bryce McGain’sreturn with a shoulder problem before the first Test. Andrew Hilditch, thechairman of selectors, said a decision would be made over the next fewdays on whether to send for a replacement.Brad Hodge, a regular tourist with Australia, has started the domesticseason with two centuries for Victoria while David Hussey and Shaun Marshwill also be considered. If Australia’s bowlers perform poorly in thesecond Test in Mohali the selectors may consider parachuting AndrewSymonds back into the side to provide an extra spin option. However, aSymonds comeback is dependent on factors other than form following hissuspension from the team before the Bangladesh contest.Alex Kountouris, the team physiotherapist, said Jaques would see aspecialist after landing in Australia. “Phil has had a long-standingproblem with his lower back that has been manageable up until now,” hesaid. “The point has come where the injury is significantly limiting hisability to play.”