Graham Manou replaces Paine

South Australia wicketkeeper Graham Manou will replace the injured Tim Paine in Australia's one-day international squad in India.

Paine broke his right ring finger taking a catch off a Peter Siddle bouncer in just the eighth over of yesterday's 99-run loss to India in Nagpur.

Although Paine saw out the innings and batted in his now customary opening position, Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said after the match the injury was severe enough to see Paine sent back to Tasmania immediately.

The National Selection Panel has opted to replace him with Manou, despite Test incumbent Brad Haddin recovering from his own broken finger.

"Graham Manou is travelling to India tonight and will be available for selection for the next game," NSP chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

"Graham richly deserves this opportunity following his Ashes debut and his successful domestic season last year in all forms of the game.

"After extensive discussions with Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris and Brad Haddin it was considered it is premature for Brad to resume cricket for Australia, having not played first-class cricket since the Oval Ashes Test.
"It is expected Brad will make a return to first-class cricket this weekend as the first stage of his preparation for a return to cricket for Australia."

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"Feel awkward to sledge Indians"

A series between India and Australia in the last few years have given way to some anxious heated moments.

However, the seven-match ODI series, which is commencing from October 25 in Vadodara, may witness this time a lesser number of sledging incidents on Australia's part.

"It is easier to get under the skin of a person if you don't know him personally. But thanks to the Indian Premier League, we know many of the (Indian) players and hence it becomes awkward sometimes," says all-rounder James Hopes.

"Things can get a bit heated when you are on the field but the difference from the earlier times is that it will be restricted on the field. Once the match is over we clarify all the issues off the field," he adds.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Tim Paine also replied in the negative when asked about on-ground sledging.

"I have done it a few times in the domestic matches but yet to open my mouth in the international matches. If I have to say anything, I would rather say it to the bowler and the skipper," Paine said.

Australia speedstar Mitchell Johnson, who has already talked about giving chin music to the Indian batsmen, recalls an incident when he tried to sledge Rahul Dravid during last year's Delhi Test.

"I hoped to put Rahul Dravid off his game and really sledged him. He was batting on 50-plus. But he hardly reacts.

I realised soon that I was wasting my breath," he said.

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