Warne Woe at Holland Injury

Australian cricketing legend, Shane Warne, has described the absence of spinner, Jon Holland, as a “big loss” ahead of his country’s crucial Test series with South Africa.

The Proteas moved to the top of the ICC World Test rankings with victory in England last August but would be replaced at the summit by Australia should the hosts come out on top in the three match series.

Though uncapped, 25-year-old Holland was pinpointed as one of Australia’s brightest young spin prospects by coach national selector, John Inverarity.

A former Australia Under-19s player, who has also spent time at the Centre of Excellence, he burst onto the scene in 2009, earning himself a call-up to the ODI side for the tour of India.

Though his progress has not been as rapid since, he had been pencilled in for a key role in next month’s series.

However, the Victoria-born bowler injured a shoulder in a grade cricket match last month and is set to miss out completely.

He missed almost the entire 2008/08 season with a shoulder complaint and, although it is hoped the problem is not as serious this time around, it is enough to rule him out of contention.

Warne, regarded on Bet365 cricket online as Australia’s greatest ever spinner, admits he had spotted Holland’s talents some time ago.

He is disappointed to see him pull out through injury as he believes he would have made a significant impact.

"Jon is a big loss, I had him penciled in about 12 or 18 months ago that he and Nathan Lyon would be on the tour," said Warne. "It's a real big loss to lose Holland, who has really improved.

"I was hopeful that both would play, especially with the balance of the team when you have guys like Shane Watson, Mitchell Marsh who could play as all-rounders."

Check out the South Africa test odds on Bet365 if you are thinking of placing a bet on cricket, this autumn.