Manou to replace injured Paine for India ODI series

Graham Manou will replace injured wicketkeeper Tim Paine for Australia's one-day series in India, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

Paine fractured the ring finger of his right hand during Wednesday's second ODI against India in Nagpur.

Manou, who acted as a back-up for injured wicketkeeper Brad Haddin during this year's Ashes Test series in England, will leave for India late on Thursday, CA said.

"Tim Paine has a fractured finger from the game last night and is unable to take any further part in the series. He will return to Australia as soon as the replacement arrives in India," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said in a statement.

"Graham Manou is travelling to India tonight and will be available for selection for the next game. "Graham richly deserves this opportunity following his Ashes debut and his successful domestic season last year in all forms of the game."

Hilditch said after discussions with the team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris and Brad Haddin it was considered premature for Haddin to resume playing for Australia, having not played first-class cricket since the final Ashes Test at the Oval last August.

"It is expected Brad will make a return to first-class cricket this weekend as the first stage of his preparation for a return to cricket for Australia," he said.

The third ODI is on October 31 in New Delhi with the seven-match series currently level at 1-1. Sydney, AFP