I really don't know where to start with this. It seems that not a week goes by without more bad news about an Oz cricketer sustaining an injury, or being told that an existing injury is much worse than first thought! Whilst I accept that injuries are a part of sport, what I find hard to swallow is the sheer number of injuries that are occuring in and around the Oz squad. Alex Kountouris, who is the team physio, must have one of the most unenviable jobs in Australia. And the situation has now become so bad, that I'd consider replacing him with a magician!
With the India series just over a week away, this is the current Oz injury list, in no particular order;
Tim Paine - fractured finger requiring surgery. Out for several months.
Shane Watson - possibly coming back for the Boxing day Test, but for how long before his next injury?
Shaun Marsh - if it isn't his groin, it's his back!
Mitchell Johnson - ruled out for the summer, with a broken radar, amongst other things!
Pat Cummins - injured after 1 Test with a foot injury. Expected to miss entire India series.
Ryan Harris - ruled out for the rest of the summer with his latest injury.
Ben Cutting - sustained an injury after being selected to the Oz squad for the first time!
Simon Katich - delisted when injured, for fear of sustaining further injuries!
Doug Bollinger - sustained an injury and seems to be unable to get back into the squad, even with all the injuries!
Phil Jaques - sustained an injury and was never seen again!
Clint McKay - sustained an injury and was never seen again!
Nathan Hauritz - sustained an injury and has only just broken back into the NSW side.
Shaun Tait - retired from Test cricket after sustaining too many injuries.
Brett Lee - retired from Test cricket after sustaining too many injuries.
Nathan Bracken - retired from cricket after sustaining too many injuries.
Shane Warne - retired years ago, but managed to burn himself at a BBQ on the eve of his big comeback in Oz domestic T20 (BBL).
Have I forgotten anyone?
Has the baggygreen cap become a poisoned challice? It seems that if you get to wear one these, you're destined to break down at some point! I'm surprised that channel 9 haven't started up a new reality tv program called "I'm an Oz cricketer, get me to a hospital!" Shane Watson would be the mainstay of the show, with the most appearances!
Who will be the next Oz cricketer to join this cast of characters?
"Hey, doll. Could you scare up another round for our table over here? And tell the cook this is low grade dog food. I've had better food at the ballgame, you know? This steak still has marks from where the jockey was hitting it." Al Czervik, aka Rodney Dangerfield in "Caddyshack" (1980)
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