CRICKET Australians lose Fleming

CRICKET

Australia's problems on tour in the West Indies were compounded yesterday when team officials decided to send home the injured seam bowler, Damien Fleming, replacing him with the left-arm pace of Brendon Julien.

Fleming tore a muscle in his right shoulder during Sunday's 134-run defeat in the third one-day international in Trinidad and was unable to complete his 10 overs.

He batted but the tourists were concerned the injury would prevent him playing again for at least three weeks. Two games remain in the five-match limited overs series - which West Indies lead 2-1 - with the next tomorrow in St Vincent. There are also four Tests to be played, starting in Barbados on 31 March.

"Fleming will travel with the team to St Vincent then head home after the game," the Australian manager, Jack Edwards, said.

Fleming is not the Australians' only injury problem, but they are hoping Craig McDermott (shoulder) and Mark Waugh (groin) will make rapid recoveries after being sorely missed yesterday.