Australia''s Ferguson gets ODI call

Sydney, Feb 1 (AFP) Australia called up batsman CallumFerguson today for the sixth one-day international againstEngland in Sydney after World Cup hopeful Shaun Marsh wasruled out with a hamstring injury.

Ferguson, 26, will replace Marsh for the final two gamesof the seven-match ODI series, clinched by Australia with a51-run victory in Brisbane on Sunday.

Nursing a hamstring injury, Marsh was unable to field atthe weekend and team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris saidscans had confirmed a low-grade strain -- a blow to his WorldCup hopes.

"He will be unavailable for the two remaining ODI gamesagainst England and his return to cricket will be determinedby his progress over the next week," said Kountouris.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Ferguson hadan "excellent record in one-day internationals for Australiaand is in good form this season."

"We are sure Callum will seize the opportunity that comesfollowing the unfortunate hamstring injury suffered by ShaunMarsh," he said.

The right-handed Ferguson, who averages 46.07 from 26ODIs, has bounced back from a devastating knee injurysustained in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy final against NewZealand and will be looking to press his case for inclusion inAustralia''s injury-hit World Cup side.

Marsh was not named for next month''s World Cup but is onstandby for Mike Hussey, also suffering hamstring trouble, andskipper Ricky Ponting, who is nursing a finger injury.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz also remains under a cloud afterdislocating his shoulder in the first ODI clash, an injury forwhich he will need keyhole surgery.

Short-form specialist Shaun Tait looked likely to startin Sydney on Wednesday after performing well in the nets. Hestrained his thigh earlier in the series, casting doubt on hisWorld Cup campaign. (AFP) SHN