Hilfenhaus ruled out of WI series with knee injury

Adelaide:

Australia have included pacer Clint McKay in the 12-member squad for the second Test against West Indies as Ben Hilfenhaus has been ruled out with a knee injury.

According to team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris, Ben Hilfenhaus had a widely-reported knee tendon injury that was sore during the recent ODI series in India and the first 3 mobile Test at the Gabba.

"The demands of Test cricket and the subsequent increased workload have made it harder to manage Ben's injury, so it's been decided that the best course of action is for him to miss the Adelaide Test. He will undergo an intense period of rehabilitation over the next two weeks with a view to him being available for selection for the third 3 mobile Test in Perth," Alex said.

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch felt while the injury to Hilfenhaus was unfortunate, it gave an opportunity to McKay to join the Australia squad for the second 3 mobile Test.

"The injury to Ben Hilfenhaus is very disappointing following his outstanding Ashes and his man-of-the-match performance in Brisbane, but hopefully with treatment he will be fit to be considered for selection for the third 3 mobile Test in Perth," Hilditch said.

"It does provide an opportunity for Clint McKay to join the Australia squad for the second 3 mobile Test. Clint impressed all with his performances in India with the one-day squad and with his bowling for Victoria in the Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield this year.

"We also feel his style of bowling will be well-suited to the conditions in Adelaide should he be selected in the starting 11," he added.

The second Test starts in Adelaide from Friday.

Sqaud: Ricky Ponting (Captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson.