Australia face fitness concerns as North misses training

LEEDS: Australia’s preparations for the second and final Test against Pakistan at Headingley suffered a setback when Marcus North missed Monday’s training session at Yorkshire’s headquarters. North, the bowling hero of Australia’s 150-run series opening win at Lord’s last week, where the occasional off-spinner took a Test best six for 55, was ruled out of practice because of stomach illness.

North has already missed one Test through illness, against South Africa in Cape Town last year, when a stomach bug allowed leg-spinner Bryce McGain to make his debut.

Meanwhile fast-bowler Ben Hilfenhaus did not bowl during Monday’s session after suffering a shoulder injury sustained when he fell awkwardly in the field at Lord’s. But with one day to go till the next Test against Pakistan, Australia remain confident of naming an unchanged side.

If replacements are needed, the uncapped duo of batsman Usman Khawaja and seamer Peter George are both in the tour squad. Australia have added Clint McKay, who remained in England after the recent one-day series to play Twenty20 cricket for Yorkshire, to their Test squad as cover for Hilfenhaus.

But Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris is still working with Hilfenhaus and Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke told reporters at Headingley on Monday, “I don’t think he bowled today, he’s still seeing the physio but he’s certainly improving.

“Fingers crossed, hopefully he’ll be right come day one of the Test match.

The first Test already saw two players make their debut for Australia, with both wicket-keeper Tim Paine and leg-spinner Steven Smith playing their first Test at Lord’s.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2010.