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Australia's World Cup preparations have been dealt a blow

Australia Cricket RSS / / 03 February 2007 /

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Australia's World Cup preparations have been dealt a blow by the news that all-rounder Andrew Symonds is out for the rest of the Commonwealth Bank Series with an arm injury.

Symonds ruptured a tendon in his right shoulder during the Aussies' 92-run loss to England in Sydney on Friday and has been told he will need surgery to repair the damage.

The 31-year-old retired hurt after making 39, and his chances of playing in the World Cup could now be in doubt with only six weeks to recover before Australia's opening World Cup game against Scotland.

His injury could hand a fresh chance to Queensland team-mate Shane Watson, who has not played international cricket since last November's ICC Champions Trophy because of hamstring trouble.

Australia's team doctor Trefor James refused to speculate on how long Symonds would be out of action, but the all-action star is optimistic of making the 15-man World Cup squad.

He said: "I feel optimistic about the future because I know I'm a good healer.
"We won't know how bad this injury is until after the surgery. I felt it go during the game...I batted on but the pain was considerable and I was advised by the team physio, Alex Kountouris, to come off."

With captain Ricky Ponting due to return, Australia remain favourites to win their remaining pool match against New Zealand on Sunday.

The home side are 1.25 to take the points in Melbourne while the Black Caps can be backed to provide an MCG shock at 4.8, which would all but ensure their place in the best-of-three finals.

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