Injured Martyn ruled out of semis, Bevan to come in
Monday, March 17 2003 17:51 Hrs (IST)

Port Elizabeth: Australia's plans for its World Cup semi-final clash against Sri Lanka suffered a setback on Monday when batsman Damien Martyn was ruled out because of a broken finger.

The 31-year-old Martyn suffered the injury in his right index finger while fielding in the five-wicket win against Kenya on Saturday in Durban.

Martyn, one of just four players to have figured in all of his team's nine matches so far, needed an X-ray on his finger after Saturday's Super Six game in which he didn't bat.

"Damien developed some pain overnight and we just wanted to check it out," said a team spokesman. Martyn's injury means a recall for Michael Bevan, who missed the five-wicket win over Kenya with a back strain.

It also looks like solving a tricky selection headache for skipper Ricky Ponting who was facing having to drop either Andrew Symonds or Ian Harvey to accommodate Bevan.

Martyn has scored 235 runs for his side during the tournament at an average of 47.0 with a best of 67 not out against the Netherlands in the first round.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Aussie-Lanka battle not for the faint-hearted