Australia call Hauritz as cover for injured Krejza

Melbourne, Nov 26 (IANS) New South Wales spinner Nathan Hauritz will join the Australian side as cover for injured Jason Krejza for the second Test against New Zealand Friday.

Krejza sprained his ankle during training and while he has been cleared of any major damage, the selectors have decided that Hauritz should join the team in case Krejza does not recover in time for the Adelaide Test.

The off-spinner made a sensational debut against India taking 12 wickets in Nagpur.

National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said: 'It's very disappointing for Jason that this injury may rule him out of contention for what would be his first Test on Australian soil.'

'As a precaution we have decided that Nathan Hauritz will join the Australian squad. Nathan has experience at the international level in Test and ODI cricket and as a finger spinner we see him as the appropriate shadow player for this match.'

Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said that X-rays have cleared Jason of any major damage.

'He has suffered a ligament strain to his right ankle. He will be provided as much time as necessary in order to be available for selection although this is still uncertain.'