North called into Australia squad

North has yet to play limited overs cricket for Australia

Australia have called Marcus North into their one-day squad currently playing Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

He will replace Shaun Marsh, who suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury in Wednesday's opening game, which Australia lost by four wickets.

The 29-year old's call-up is a blow to English county side Hampshire, for whom he has a contract until 4 June.

He was playing in their Championship game against Warwickshire but is now expected to fly to Dubai on Friday.

"This is very disappointing for Shaun particularly given how hard he was worked in his recovery from the previous injury.

"It is however a great opportunity for Marcus North to demonstrate his talents in the one-day arena with some important series to be played in the near future," said chief selector Andrew Hilditch.

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North has played two Tests and scored a century in his debut appearance against South Africa in Johannesburg in February, but he has yet to appear in a limited overs international.

"While Marcus has been chosen primarily as a top-order batsman, his off-spin bowling will come in particularly handy in the conditions the team will face both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi," Hilditch added.

Hampshire manager Giles White said it was "obviously disappointing" to lose North in the middle of the game.

But the England and Wales Cricket Board have given permission for Michael Lumb to replace him, and Lumb will be able to bat in Hampshire's second innings.

"At this stage I'm not sure when and if Marcus will be coming back, but we wish him all the best in Dubai in what I'm sure will be an exciting series for him," he added.

Meanwhile, Australia's team doctor Trefor James confirmed the injury to Marsh's left hamstring was a similar problem to that which first occurred during their domestic season.

"Shaun's recovery process will be monitored over the next two weeks before any decision can be made on his availability for the upcoming ICC Twenty20 world championship in the United Kingdom," he commented.

The series against Pakistan ends on 7 May.