Australian allrounder Moises Henriques is undergoing X-rays on a finger injury that threatens to delay his long-awaited return to international cricket.
The Australian team hold fears Henriques may have broken the index finger on his right hand after being struck while batting in the Gabba nets on Thursday, a day after picking up a knock while bowling.
Captain Michael Clarke said it would be a massive disappointment for the 25-year-old to miss Friday’s one-day clash with Sri Lanka after three years in the international wilderness.
“He’s certainly got his fingers crossed and hoping the scan comes back clear, as we all are, because I know he’s looking forward to his opportunity,” he said.
“He got hit yesterday when bowling. I actually straight drove one back and he got his finger on it so it was a little bit sore but fine.
“Then while batting in the nets today he got hit again.”
The injury opens the door for Queensland paceman Ben Cutting to regain his place in the side and play in front of his home crowd.
Cutting had been cut after Sunday’s eight-wicket loss in Adelaide but was put on stand-by for quicks Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc following his good form for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL.
Clarke said Cutting, also due to play for the Heat in Saturday night’s BBL final in Perth, was vying with off-spinning all-rounder Glenn Maxwell to play if Henriques was ruled out.
Clarke will bat at No.3 in his return from a two-match rest to recover from a hamstring strain while wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will line up at No.6.
Australia (likely): Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Phil Hughes, George Bailey, David Hussey, Matthew Wade, Moises Henriques or Ben Cutting, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty.