Aussies call on bowling cover with worries over two pacemen
Australia have called-up fast bowler Steve Magoffin to join the squad in South Africa as a precaution due to injury worries over Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus.
The bowling duo both came out of the first Test win in Johannesburg with injury problems, and Magoffin will fly out to South Africa as cover.
Both Siddle and Hilfenhaus pulled up sore after shouldering a big workload in Australia's 162-run victory at the Wanderers.
And with just three days rest before the second Test in Durban, Cricket Australia have opted to call up 29-year-old Western Australia quick Magoffin as cover.
"With Ben and Peter suffering some soreness following the first Test, and with such a short turnaround between the first and second Test, the national selection panel has taken the precaution of adding another bowler to the squad," said Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch.
Sand-by
"Steve Magoffin has been added as a stand-by player, but that being said he has been a consistent cricketer in the Australian interstate competition for a long time now.
"He is currently placed second on the leading wicket takers list in the Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield competition with 38 wickets and we are sure he will step up should the opportunity present itself in South Africa."
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris says Hilfenhaus is suffering with a back problem, while Siddle is nursing a bad foot.
"At the conclusion of the first Test Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle have both reported niggling injuries," Kountouris said.
"Ben Hilfenhaus is suffering some soreness in his lower back and Peter Siddle some soreness in his left foot.
"We will continue to monitor the fitness of these players in the lead up to the second Test before a decision is made on their availability for selection."
