Injured Bollinger returns home

Doug Bollinger

12 April 2012

Australia fast bowler Doug Bollinger has been sent home from the World Cup due to a left ankle injury.

The left-arm quick played in Australia's opening warm-up game against India on February 13, taking one for 29 off six overs, but has not played since.

He was rested from the second warm-up fixture against South Africa but skipper Ricky Ponting had said Bollinger was making a good recovery from a slight ankle niggle ahead of the Cup opener against Zimbabwe on Monday. But Bollinger was not selected for the Zimbabwe clash and was also ruled out of Friday's clash with New Zealand in Nagpur.

Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Bollinger had been experiencing pain since arriving in the subcontinent.

"Unfortunately the pain is now significantly affecting his ability to bowl and he will not be playing any further part in the tournament," Kountouris said.

"Doug will now return to Australia and seek specialist opinion to determine the best course of management for the injury."

Selectors are yet to announce a replacement.