Injured Bollinger to return home

The left-arm pacer, who is set to fly home to seek opinions of specialists, felt discomfort in his left ankle during the team`s first warm-up game against India and although it improved before Australia`s opening match against Zimbabwe, the problem intensified when the team arrived in Nagpur for today`s tie against New Zealand.

"It was only when he bowled yesterday here it became sore again. He tried bowling again today and he was really sore, so based on that, based on the sort of injury we`re going to send him back to Australia and look at what our options are for treatment," said team physio Alex Kountouris.

In Australia, Bollinger will have scans to determine whether he will need an operation or not.

Cricket Australia`s selection committee is expected to decide on a replacement and once the name is announced, it will have to be approved by the International Cricket Council`s technical committee.

Australia`s lead-up to the World cup had been hit hard by injuries to a few key players. They are already missing Michael Hussey, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty and Shaun Marsh due to injuries.