Wicketkeeper Haddin to return to Australia

MELBOURNE: Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will return to Australia to allow a broken finger to recover, officials said Tuesday, placing him in doubt for next month's ICC Champions Trophy.

Haddin missed the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston after fracturing the ring finger on his left hand during a warm-up.

Although he played in the fourth and fifth Tests, Australian officials said they wanted to assess the damage.

"It has now been decided Brad will return to Australia to allow him further recovery time and consultation with specialists to determine the best possible management of the injury," team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

Kountouris said Haddin's participation in the upcoming Twenty20 and one-day internationals in England, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa later next month, would be decided after the consultations were complete.

Australia have Graham Manou as a back-up wicketkeeper in England, meaning no new player will be sent to the squad.