Injured Warne to miss two ODIs in SA

Leg-spinner Shane Warne will miss the first two matches of Australia's one-day series in South Africa because of a hamstring strain, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) said.

"Shane's problem is not a major one but, with seven games in 19 days in this series, it makes sense for him to miss the first two matches which take place in the space of three days," Australia physiotherapist Errol Alcott said in an ACB statement released yesterday.

The 32-year-old Warne carried the injury for the final two weeks of Australia's 2-1 Test series victory over South Africa, during which he took 20 wickets at an average of 22.10 in 162 overs.

Warne will be replaced for the first two one-day internationals by uncapped Queensland off-spinner Nathan Hauritz.

"To get the call-up is amazing and a surprise but a pleasant one," the 20-year-old Hauritz said in an ACB statement.

"When I was picked for the tour, I was hoping to play one game but, if I didn't, then that wouldn't have bothered me because just to come on the tour with the group of players in this squad is a great experience for me.

"I'm keen to learn as much as I can from everyone around me and it's now up to me to show them what I can do."

Ricky Ponting takes over as Australia's one-day captain after the shock axing last month of World Cup-winning captain Steve Waugh.

Darren Lehmann and Matthew Hayden were named in the Australia side after Steve and Mark Waugh were both left out of the one-day squad.

The one-day series between Australia and South Africa starts in Johannesburg on Friday.

Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Michael Bevan, Ian Harvey, Andy Bichel, Nathan Hauritz, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee (12th man).

Mail Cricket Editor