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17-Jul-2009 02:44:00 GMT
England v Australia, 2nd npower Test, Lord's, 1st day

Hauritz's Injury Leaves Haddin Queasy From Lord's Test

London: Nathan Hauritz gave Australia hope he could support their under-manned attack by fielding late in the day after dislocating his right middle finger when dropping a stinging chance from Andrew Strauss. The offspinner Hauritz left the field immediately and x-rays showed no break, but his chances of a quick recovery depend on how the injury develops over the next day.

While he felt discomfort when he delivered a handful of balls on the Lord's outfield during the tea break, the move showed his determination to rejoin the attack that allowed England to steam to 364 for 6 on the first day. Andrew Strauss, who was unbeaten on 161, redesigned Hauritz's fingertip on 52 when the bowler stuck his hand out at hip height to intercept the drive.

"I hit the ball pretty well, and I think he was pretty surprised that I jumped down the wicket," Strauss said. "From then on he just walked straight off, so I presumed it was a dislocation. A bit of good luck for me and bad luck for him."

The wicketkeeper Brad Haddin tried not to look at the bent finger before the physiotherapist Alex Kountouris straightened it in the dressing room. "I don't know if I can talk about it," Haddin said. "I don't like seeing those things. My stomach can't handle it. It didn't look great."

Hauritz was the leading spinner in Cardiff with six wickets for the match and after allowing 26 runs in 8.3 overs was replaced by Marcus North. Before the series it was expected North, a part-time offspinner, would take on heavy load in this series and he kept his end tight for 16.3 overs.

Haddin was impressed with Hauritz's return to the field for the final hour and hoped he would be able to bowl in the second innings - or earlier. "We'll see how he pulls up," Haddin said. "With these sort of dislocated fingers, they can sometimes calm down after 24 hours once you've had time to throw them in some ice."

The Australians hit back with six breakthroughs after England's openers reached 196 against some inconsistent bowling, particularly from Mitchell Johnson. Ben Hilfenhaus was tight, taking 2 for 77, but the visitors were flattered by the wicket column.


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