Broken finger casts doubt over Hastings's availability for ODI series against Kiwis

Fast bowler John Hastings is not expected to be available for Australia's three-match ODI series against New Zealand in December after suffering from an injury.

Hastings, who suffered from a broken finger during a fielding drill, was today ruled out of Victoria's one-day cup elimination final against NSW and next week's opening round of the Sheffield Shield season.

Hastings, who has played 22 ODIs including Australia's recent tour of South Africa, would be out of action for at least four to six weeks.

"John suffered an injury to his left-index finger during catching practice at training yesterday," news.com.au quoted Bushrangers' sports medicine manager Nick Adcock as saying.

"After meeting with a finger surgeon this morning, the finger has been confirmed broken and will sideline John for between four and six weeks," he added.

The 30-year-old pacer had made his ODI debut against India in Visakhapatnam in October 2010.

Australia would play the first ODI against the Black Caps at the SCG on December 4, followed by ODIs at the Manuka Oval and the MCG on December 6 and 9 respectively.