Bevan sidelined with groin injury

Australian one-day international batsman Michael Bevan has a low-grade tear of his right groin muscle, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced today.

The New South Welshman, who was forced from the field while batting during yesterday's second VB Series final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (25 January), underwent diagnostic scans this morning under the supervision of ACB Medical Officer Dr Trefor James.

Dr James said: "The MRI scans taken this morning, show Michael has a grade-one tear of his right adductor (groin) muscle.

"The anticipated recovery time for such an injury is anywhere between fourteen and twenty-one days," added Dr James.

The diagnosis may see Bevan sidelined for Australia's first two World Cup matches against Pakistan (11 February) and India (15 February).

He returned to Sydney this afternoon, but will have to wait until the National Selection Panel meets over the course of the next few days, before a decision is reached about his place in the Australian World Cup squad.

Michael Bevan said: "I'm feeling a lot more comfortable today than I was last night.

"It's pleasing to know that I'm not looking at a really long-term injury, when perhaps my initial thoughts were that it was a lot worse," he said.

"It's now up to the selectors to make a decision about the World Cup, so from my perspective, I just have to wait and see," Bevan added.