Shaun Tait ruled out for first Test

MELBOURNE: Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait's return to competitive cricket has been delayed as he has been ruled for the first Test against Sri Lanka due to elbow soreness.
    
Tait has been replaced by Tasmania pacer Ben Hilfenhaus into the 13-man squad.
    
Andrew Hilditch, Chairman of the national selection panel was disappointed while making the announcement.
    
"It's disappointing for Shaun to have suffered a slight aggravation to his elbow in the lead up to the first Test. Whilst this is disappointing for Shaun, it creates an opportunity for Ben Hilfenhaus to come into the squad," Hilditch said in a press statement on Saturday.
    
Tait had missed one-day series against South Africa and India to recover from an elbow operation in May.
    
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris, however, said Tait was progressing well and said the problem was not serious.
    
"Shaun has been ruled out after developing elbow soreness in South Australia's Pura Cup match against Tasmania. He had been progressing well following elbow surgery in May this year and this would appear be a short term setback," he said.