Image courtesy of: Zimbio

“An MRI scan this afternoon confirmed that Ben has a mild left side strain and we expect this to be a two to four-week injury”

Australia pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus’ chances of playing in the ongoing Ashes series suffered a major blow after he sustained a mild side strain during Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales.

Hilfenhaus, who has only taken five wickets at a dismal average of 65.60 in this year’s Sheffield Shield season, is likely to be out of action for a month.

“Ben started the game with some discomfort around his left 12th rib,” Tasmania physiotherapist Stewart Williamson said. “He has experienced this pain on and off for the last few years and generally manages to play through it. An MRI scan this afternoon confirmed that Ben has a mild left side strain and we expect this to be a two to four-week injury.”