September 25, 2007	Tuesday	Ramazan 12, 1428

SYDNEY, Sept 24: Injury and compassionate leave have ruled batsman Mike Hussey and speed bowler Nathan Bracken out of the Australian squad for the upcoming tour of India, while captain Ricky Ponting is not fully fit, officials said on Monday.

The national selection panel said Adam Voges had been added to the injury-hit squad as cover for Ponting, while Brad Haddin would replace Hussey.

Bracken has not been replaced.

“Once Ricky has recovered full fitness, Adam will return to Australia,” panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

All-rounder James Hopes has also been brought into the team to replace an injured Shane Watson for the Indian series which includes one Twenty20 match and seven one-day games.

Hilditch said Bracken was returning to Australia on compassionate leave to be with his wife as she prepares to give birth to his first child.

“It is anticipated Nathan will rejoin the squad in India as soon as possible,” Hilditch said. “At this stage no replacement player has been called upon and we will take this on a day-by-day basis.”

Ponting, who is expected to miss the opening matches in India, and all-rounder Watson endured similar injuries in the previous two matches.—AFP