Spin a problem area for Aussies

Sydney:

Australian cricket is facing a serious problem in its spin department as the team prepares for the defence of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the turning Indian tracks next month.

For the first time in any Test series in India, Australia will be without the services of any frontline spinners. And the injuries to inexperienced Beau Casson and Bryce McGain have added to their worries.

Casson and McGain, who were sent to India with the Australia A side to gain some experience, have injured themselves and have been ruled out of the three-day match against India A. Casson strained his groin while McGain suffered a side injury. Casson will return home. In their absence Jason Krejza, a Tasmanian finger spinner, got a chance.

"I was a bit down earlier in the week, but things have been getting more positive in the last few days. Because I have quite a long delivery stride, the groin strain was giving me a few problems. I haven't had many soft tissue injuries, so it's a bit of a new thing for me. It's been a little disappointing because this was a great opportunity to get a real feel for the country and the conditions here," Casson was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Before we came here, I had a good chat with Michael Clarke about different approaches to spin bowling in India, and I also asked Cricket Australia for a lot of footage of Indian batsmen. I've also had a lot of discussions with Simon Katich, and generally feel better equipped than before," he said.

The injuries to both the spinners have posed serious problems for the selectors as the squad for India will be announced next week.