Jaques to miss home Tests
Batsman faces lengthy lay-off with back injury
By Richard Bailey. Last Updated: October 24, 2008 9:50am
Jaques: Injury blow for Australia
Australia's opening batsman Phil Jaques will miss the whole of Australia's international home cricket season after undergoing back surgery.
Jaques was forced to leave Australia's four-Test tour in India after specialists decided it was best if the Batsman's bulging disc was operated on.
He said: "The specialists advised me this is a very serious back injury and my only option was to get it operated on as soon as possible.
"I am hoping that with the correct rehabilitation I can play the last few matches of the interstate season, get some batting under my belt and push for selection on Australia's tour to South Africa next year."
Australia will face New Zealand and South Africa in Test and one-day matches at home over the next four months.
Jaques was replaced by Shaun Marsh, son of former test opener and national coach Geoff Marsh in the squad this week, a day after Australia lost the second Test to India by 320 runs after drawing the opening Test.
Phil Jaques
