August 26, 2008	Tuesday	Sha’aban 23, 1429

BRISBANE, Aug 25: Veteran opener Matthew Hayden has been ruled out of Australia’s one-day series against Bangladesh in Darwin due to injury.

The three-match series starts on Saturday and Hayden had been named in Australia’s initial 14-man squad despite the fact he was still recovering from an Achilles injury suffered during the Indian Twenty20 Premier League.

The series was to have provided preparation for the Champions Trophy, but with that tournament now delayed, the Australians decided against trying to hurry him back into action.

Team officials announced Hayden would not play at a team training camp on Monday, with the Australians scheduled to fly to Darwin on Tuesday.

Hayden’s withdrawal means Australia will be without three of their big guns for the series.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting is recovering from wrist surgery and Brett Lee will miss the series for personal reasons, the star paceman dealing with the collapse of his marriage.

All three are expected to be available for the away Test series against India in October.

The Australians have elected not to call up an extra player, instead using a 13-man squad for the series.

Despite the absentees, stand-in captain Michael Clarke said the Australians were not taking Bangladesh lightly.

“They beat us in Cardiff (in England in 2005), and that sits in my memory,” he said. “We will certainly speak about that when we arrive in Darwin. We’re going to have to play good cricket.”

Clarke also said the Australians were rallying behind Lee.

“Our 100 per cent support is behind Brett and any time he’s ready to come back we’re willing to take him,” Clarke said.

“The guys have been in contact with him and he knows everyone is supporting him. We’re all looking to him getting back.”—AFP