Marcus North Replaces Injured Shaun Marsh!

Shaun Marsh after injuring his left hamstring during the first ODI against Pakistain in UAE. He was running for a single and in the process of saving his wicket, he pulled his left hamstring while diving at the crease.

"Shaun has undergone scans this morning in Dubai which have shown a recurrence of the left hamstring injury he suffered during the Australian summer. The injury means Shaun is unavailable for selection in any of the remaining games in the United Arab Emirates and therefore a decision has been made to send him home immediately in order to begin his recovery."

North is currently in England as Hampshire's overseas player but will leave the current Championship match against Warwickshire and head to Dubai. This is a good opportunity Marcus North after his hundred in debut Test against South Africa.

Australia v. Pakistain in UAE - Schedule

Australia cancelled the tour to Pakistan citing security concerns. Both the teams agreed to play in the neutral venue and UAE was ready to host the game.

Australia scheduled to play 5 ODIs and a T20 in the UAE in April and May 2009. Ricky Ponting has been rested while Micheal Clark given the top position of leading the team.

Schedule:

1st ODI: Wed Apr 22: 11:00 GMT, 16:30 IST: Pakistan v. Australia in Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium

2nd ODI: Fri Apr 22: 11:00 GMT, 16:30 IST: Pakistan v. Australia in Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium

3rd ODI: Mon Apr 27: 11:00 GMT, 16:30 IST: Pakistan v. Australia in Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

4th ODI: Fri May 1: 11:00 GMT, 16:30 IST: Pakistan v. Australia in Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

5th ODI: Sun May 3: 11:00 GMT, 16:30 IST: Pakistan v. Australia in Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Aus v. Pak in UAE: Schedule

Australia rejecting the option to tour Pakistan due to security concern, has accepted to play in the neutral venue. Though Pakistan Cricket Board would lose huge money and the advantages of playing in home conditions, they had no option except to accept for neutral venue.

The tour has 5 ODI matches followed by one T20 game. Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey havae been rested while Michale Clark will lead the series.

ODI Schedule:

1st ODI: Wed Apr 22, 2009: Pakistan v. Australia at Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium at 10:30 GMT, 4:00 PM IST

2nd ODI: Fri Apr 24, 2009: Pakistan v. Australia at Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium at 10:30 GMT, 4:00 PM IST

3rd ODI: Mon Apr 27, 2009: Pakistan v. Australia at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi at 10:30 GMT, 4:00 PM IST

4th ODI: Fri May 1, 2009: Pakistan v. Australia at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi at 10:30 GMT, 4:00 PM IST

5th ODI: Sun May 3, 2009: Pakistan v. Australia at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi at 10:30 GMT, 4:00 PM IST

T20 Schedule:

T20: Thu May 7, 2009: Pakistan v. Australia at Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium