Injured Faulkner ruled out of 3rd Ashes Test

Perth: Cricket Australia (CA) announced Thursday that all-rounder James Faulkner had suffered a fractured right thumb and will miss the third Ashes Test in Perth starting Friday.

Faulkner was struck on the hand while batting in the nets during training at the WACA here Thursday. "James was struck on the right thumb while batting in the nets and was subsequently taken for an X-ray which revealed a fracture of the thumb. As a result he will not be available for the third Test. His progress will be monitored for a return to playing duty depending on how quickly the injury heals," Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said in a CA statement.