Legspinner Shane Warne has been forced out of Australia's forthcoming tour to India, while captain Mark Taylor confirmed he would lead the side.
Australian Cricket Board chief executive Graham Halbish said in a statement on Wednesday that Warne's recovery had been slower than expected after surgery on a finger on his bowling hand.
Warne has been replaced by South Australia's Peter Mcintyre in the 14-man squad, which will play one Test against India as well as a one-day series on the six week tour. The Australians fly out to India on October 1.
``There was much consideration given to the thought that Shane should remain in the team,'' Halbish said. ``But it was decided he should remain in Australia once it became apparent he would not be fit for the Test match.''
Warne was ruled out after bowling in three one-day practice matches with the Victorian cricket team in Darwin this week.
``I'm disappointed,'' Warne said. ``At this stage I'm not confident with the way it's going, it's not 100 per cent.''
Taylor, who had back surgery a month ago, declared his fitness on Wednesday.
Both Taylor and Warne missed Australia's recent one-day tour of Sri Lanka.
Taylor met with the ACB this week and had a session under the supervision of Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott in Sydney on Wednesday morning.
``Mark will be going to India. He has satisfied himself that he's fit and he has satisfied the selectors,'' Taylor's manager John Fordham said.
Australia will play a one-off Test against India from October 10 to 14 in New Delhi, and a triangular one-day series with the hosts and South Africa, culminating in a final on November 6.
The Australian tour squad: Mark Taylor (captain), Ian Healy (vice-captain), Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Stuart Law, Michael Bevan, Ricky Ponting, Michael Slater, Brad Hogg, Paul Reiffel, Damien Fleming, Jason Gillespie, Peter Mcintyre, Glenn Mcgrath.
Copyright 1996 Rediff On The Net All rights reserved