Gillespie returns home from World Cup, Bracken drafted in to cover

Following expert diagnosis of a right heel strain, Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been ruled out of the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup 2003 and will return home to Adelaide today (5 March).

New South Wales left-arm paceman Nathan Bracken has been called up to replace Gillespie.

Gillespie received a diagnostic ultrasound scan in Johannesburg yesterday that revealed he has a grade one strain of a tendon close to the Achilles.

The South Australian is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

Australian physiotherapist Errol Alcott said Gillespie's injury needed immediate rest and treatment, followed by a rehabilitation program.

"Jason has a grade one strain of the tendon that wraps around the back of his right ankle and runs close to the Achilles tendon," Alcott said.

"He also has associated inflammation of other structures around the ankle and will need to rest his foot from weight-bearing activity for two weeks, before undertaking rehabilitation work."

The right-arm quick will be assessed regularly by his state medical team in Adelaide.

The National Selection Panel will be informed of his progress ahead of the West Indies tour. The Australian squad for the Caribbean is expected to be announced after the final of the first-class domestic competition, the Pura Cup, which begins on 14 March.

Gillespie's injury was originally incurred during a bowling session on the eve of Australia's match against Namibia in Potchesfstroom on 27 February.

He missed the match against Namibia and, after aggravating the heel again during a light bowling session on Saturday 1 March, was ruled out of the game against England in Port Elizabeth the next day.

Gillespie said he was devastated and frustrated in having to miss more international cricket.

"This is devastating news for me, especially because I have to miss such a big occasion in the World Cup," Gillespie said.

"I'm heartbroken and shattered because my form over the past two to three years has been as good as it ever has and this is such an important tournament.

"I'm disappointed that I won't be able to reach the goals I set out to achieve for this World Cup and I will miss the experience of playing with my close mates."

Gillespie said he has been satisfied with his durability over recent times.

"I was the only bowler from either team to play all five matches in the Orange Test Series during the Australian summer, so it's frustrating not to be able to continue to prove that my body is good," he said.

"A day will come when the body will stop playing tricks on me and I expect it to become strong and durable.

"I will get over this problem and when I do, I expect to bowl at top pace for Australia for many years to come.

"I'm confident I'll be fit and firing in a month and will be able to put my name in front of the selectors for the upcoming West Indies tour.

"As disappointing as this is for me, I'm sure Nathan Bracken can take the opportunity and do a good job for Australia."

Bracken comes into the Australian squad as his state side, the New South Wales SpeedBlitz Blues, are entering the last stage of their campaign to play in the Pura Cup final against the Queensland Bulls in Brisbane.

In the Australian domestic limited-overs competition, the ING Cup, Bracken took 15 wickets this season, the third highest behind Western Warriors Jo Angel (21 wickets) and Brad Williams (16).

Bracken has played 11 one-day internationals for Australia, claiming 14 wickets since his debut against the West Indies in Melbourne in 2000-01.

He was named Man of the Match for his career best figures of 3-21 from 7.3 overs against England in Adelaide, during the recent VB Series of one-day internationals.

Bracken departs for the World Cup from Sydney tomorrow (6 March) and will arrive into Johannesburg mid-afternoon on the same day.

Australia's first Super Six match is against Sri Lanka on Thursday 7 March at Supersport Park in Centurion.