TROY Batchelor claimed he had quite literally got in a rut after being excluded from the A Final in the second round of the Australian Championship yesterday.

The Swindon charger clipped former world champion Chris Holder heading in lap three in Undera and was thrown out of the re-run.

His end placing of fourth means that Batchelor now needs to win the final round at Gillman on Saturday and hope that others fail to perform to their potential, if he is to retain his title.

However, there are concerns that a knee ligament problem could hamper Batchelor’s ability or even prevent him from turning out at the weekend in an attempt to defend his title.

The Robins ace limped back to the pits after yesterday’s accident and the injury will be assessed this morning.

Batchelor tweeted yesterday: “Havin a ding dong battle with @Chris_Holder23 in the final! Hit it rut and clipped the back of him Sorry bruz.

“The jacks are on me on Saturday for sure !! Was a sick race tho we were going for it, as 4 me knee ligaments not good see Tomoz how it feels.”

Batchelor was top scorer in the heats at Undera with 14 points from five rides, before being excluded in the A Final.