Australian paceman Peter Siddle has suffered a stress fracture of the back and will miss the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
Siddle suffered back soreness during the recent one-day series against Pakistan and was rested for the final match of the series, which Australia won 5-0. He was left out of the squad for the Twenty20 international against Pakistan on Friday and scans have since revealed that the injury is worse than first feared.
"Peter experienced back pain during the Commonwealth Bank Series. The source of the pain was investigated after the fifth ODI and unfortunately scans revealed that he has a lower back stress fracture," Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.
"The nature of this injury means that Peter will require a long rehabilitation period and as such he'll be unavailable for the remainder of the domestic summer and the tour of New Zealand."
The injury would also put Siddle in doubt for the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean in April and May, while Australia's next Test series after the two Tests against New Zealand are against Pakistan in July.
Meanwhile, Australia has recalled Shane Watson and Doug Bollinger to the squad for the opening two matches of the one-day series against West Indies, beginning in Melbourne on Sunday.
Adam Voges has been omitted, while Siddle is out injured.
"The NSP has named a largely unchanged squad for the opening two Commonwealth Bank Series matches against the West Indies." Chairman Andrew Hilditch said.
"The squad performed extremely well against Pakistan and will look to continue this form against a very good West Indies one-day side."
"Adam Voges is extremely unlucky to be omitted from the squad after having limited opportunities against Pakistan. However with the returning players and the need to get the right balance in the squad of 13, Adam has unfortunately missed out on this occasion."
Squad for one-day series against West Indies:
Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh,
Clint McKay, Shane Watson, Cameron White