Ponting, Hauritz make injury progress

Spinners Nathan Hauritz and Steve Smith are making good progress following surgery ahead of Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka in August-September, according to team physio Alex Kountouris.

Spinners Nathan Hauritz (pictured in 2010) and Steve Smith are making good progress following surgery ahead of Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka in August-September, according to team physio Alex Kountouris. © AFP

Off-spinner Hauritz missed the World Cup earlier this year with a shoulder injury while leg-spinner Smith had surgery on his left ankle to remove a bone spur. Kountouris on Thursday said both bowlers were doing well in their rehabilitation ahead of the series in Sri Lanka, where conditions are expected to favour spin.
"His (Hauritz's) rehabilitation is progressing as expected and he will hopefully resume bowling over the next month," Kountouris said.
"His availability for the Sri Lankan tour will be based on how he further progresses over the next month."
Former captain Ricky Ponting is also expected to be fit despite having surgery to remove screws inserted to stabilise a fractured finger in January.
"His preparation for the tour of Sri Lanka is not expected to be affected by this minor procedure," Kountouris said.
Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and back-up gloveman Tim Paine are both on track to be available for selection despite finger fractures, Kountouris said.
"Brad Haddin is making very good recovery from a small fracture to the middle finger of his left hand," he said.
"He has returned to his fitness training and will commence batting and wicketkeeping next month as part of his preparation for the Sri Lankan tour."
Kountouris said Paine had undergone surgery to remove a plate and screws inserted following a finger break in November, and he was expected to lead Australia A on its tour of Zimbabwe in June.