Injured Gillespie out of second Test

Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie said he was shattered after he broke down with injury during training on Monday and was ruled out of the second Test against South Africa starting on Wednesday.

Australia team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said Gillespie had complained of shoulder soreness after the fourth day's play in the first Test in Adelaide earlier this month.

"He was still able to bowl with it on day five and his pace was still up and I think he got a couple of wickets too," Alcott said.

"But I just don't think it's fair on him or the rest of the team for him to go into a new Test match with a problem like that," added Alcott who made the final decision to withdraw Gillespie from the team for the match at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Gillespie, 26, has taken 115 wickets in 30 Tests at an average of 25.37 and is an integral member of world number one Australia's pace trio alongside Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee.

"I'm shattered," Gillespie said. "I feel I could bowl my first spell okay but I wasn't completely sure if I could come back after that.

"This is such an important Test match and I was keen not to let any of the guys down so it was the sensible decision to step down."

Victory in the second Test in Melbourne or the third Test in Sydney starting on January 2 would allow Australia to keep their world number one ranking.

Scans on Monday cleared Gillespie of any significant injury, the Australia team said in a statement.

Gillespie has been troubled by back and ankle injuries and a broken wrist during his career. In September 1999 he collided with captain Steve Waugh attempting a catch in the outfield during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Kandy.

He broke his leg in the incident and Waugh suffered a broken nose.

TEST RETURN

Gillespie returned to Test cricket in December 2000 in the second Test against West Indies in Perth. The match was the first of his 16 consecutive Tests, including the first Test against South Africa.

Australia named uncapped Western Australia state fast bowler Brad Williams, 27, in their 12-man squad although fast bowler Andrew Bichel, 12th man in three Tests against New Zealand in the past two months, is expected to be included in the 11 ahead of Williams.

"It's a little bit disruptive but it gives someone else an opportunity," Waugh said of Gillespie's injury.

"He (Gillespie) had a bowl this morning and it just didn't feel right so he's gone to check it out now and the physio has ruled him out.

"I feel sorry for Jason. He's had a good run after such a long list of setbacks.

"Andy Bichel will more than likely get his chance. He got a five-for (wicket haul) here against the West Indies last year and he's bowling well."

Gillespie is also doubtful for the third Test in Sydney starting on January 2.

Mail Cricket Editor