Australia’s batsman doubtful

Australia’s main opening batsman Matthew Hayden is doubtful for tomorrow’s opening Test match against West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston.



Hayden, a veteran of 94 Tests, is suffering from an Achilles problem, which prevented him from taking part in Australia’s only warm up game against Jamaica at the weekend.



Captain Ricky Ponting said a last minute decision would be taken regarding the availability of Hayden.



Ponting said left-hander Simon Katich would open the batting, while Brad Hodge will bat at number five if Hayden fails to recover.



Katich made 97 in the warm up game against the Jamaica Select Eleven.



The Australians are already missing vice captain Michael Clarke who remained at home to attend the funeral of his fiance’s father.



There will be two other Test matches followed by five One-Day Internationals.