Australian fast bowler Gillespie to be saved for Ashes

Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has pulled out of the forthcoming limited-overs matches against India to save himself for the Ashes series against England.

The Australian Cricket Board said Gillespie was not injured but would be sent home early to prevent the chance of him damaging his hamstring.

Gillespie missed Australia's domestic one-day series in January because of a hamstring tear. While he was able to play in each of the three tests against India, Australian team management do not want to risk him ahead of this year's visit to England.

"It was felt that it would be in the best interests of both Jason and Australian cricket if he were to head home now," said Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott.

"That means he can rest ahead of a potentially gruelling tour of the UK, including a maximum of seven one-day internationals and an Ashes series of five tests."

Gillespie said: "I don't believe I've got any serious problems and I could have played, but (we've) decided on a safety-first approach to make sure I'm all right for the Ashes tour."

Michael Kasprowicz, due to fly home on Saturday along with test players Colin Miller, Michael Slater and Justin Langer, will remain in India to cover for Gillespie.

The five-game one-day series against India begins in Bangalore on Sunday.

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