ALEX Doolan’s quest to cement himself at No.3 in the Australian Test line-up may have hit a physical hurdle after he was sent home early from the National Performance Squad tour of India due to a side strain.
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The 28-year-old was getting his first taste of subcontinental conditions ahead of Australia’s Test series against Pakistan in the UAE in October, where conditions are expected to be similar to the turning wickets of India.
He injured himself while making what Cricket Australia described on its website as a ‘‘composed and assured’’ innings of 83 against India’s National Cricket Academy in Bangalore last week.
The extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed.
‘‘He will return home to Hobart to undergo further investigation and rehab ahead of his next playing commitments,’’ Cricket Australia physiotherapist David Beakley said yesterday.
‘‘He will have scans in Hobart which will provide a clear indication of the injury and the time frame for his return to play.’’
The former Launceston cricketer and Scotch Oakburn College graduate impressed in his debut Test series against South Africa in February, scoring 186 runs at an average of 31 and also put in some solid performances for Australia A (including two scores of more than 90) before departing for India.
Tasmanian teammate Jordan Silk has also been among the runs for the NPS, smashing 163 from 99 balls in a 40-over match against the Indians.
