Australia vs India: Australia Fast-Bowler Out Of SCG Test After Nasty Fall At Home

Australia’s injury curse has struck again as they have lost the services of another player due to an unfortunate injury. Their fast-bowler James Pattinson has been ruled out of the upcoming third Test against India in Sydney this week after a fall at his home. The right-arm fast-bowler was on approved leave after the Boxing Day Test when he fell at his home and suffered heavy bruising to his ribs.

James Pattinson was not in contention to play the upcoming Test at the SCG anyway, having missed out on the first two Tests in Adelaide and Melbourne respectively. Thus, the latest injury will come as a big blow to him as he looked to make a case for a place in the fourth Test. Australia, however, have not named a replacement for James Pattinson in the 18-man squad.

Australia’s squad already have pacers Michael Neser and Sean Abbott as backup for first choice pacers Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood. The trio is likely to play the third Test with Nathan Lyon as the sole specialist spinner in the eleven.

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Meanwhile, Justin Langer has two big calls to make over the fitness of David Warner and Will Pucovski ahead of the upcoming Test. Warner and Pucovski have been recalled to the squad following a groin injury and a concussion respectively. Both the openers were sidelined when Australia and India played the first two Tests.

Both the players are in contention to replace the dropped Joe Burns at opener, with Matthew Wade the man currently occupying the other opener spot, meaning Pucovski is likely to be the man who misses out. Australia could also drop underperforming Travis Head and demote Wade to make room for both Warner and Pucovski.

Australia Test squad:

Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

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