Brett Lee’s looming return to bowl for Australia in India has been tarnished by injuries to the cricket side’s two main spinning options.

Wrist spinners Beau Casson and Bryce McGain, both vying to help defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both suffered injuries playing for Australia A against India A in the tour match in Bangalore.

A groin strain suffered in the outfield meant Casson bowled only one over on day one, while McGain’s impressive return of 3-51 was soured by a shoulder strain in his right bowling arm.

The pair did not bowl early in today’s second day.

The blows are another headache for Australia’s strategists before the keenly-awaited Test series, as they are already planning on being without allrounder Andrew Symonds, who is unlikely to tour.

While Symonds considers his future following his latest disciplinary breach, Lee gave Australia a shot in the arm today, when he declared himself available despite the recent breakdown of his marriage.

“Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it. Can’t wait,” Lee said.

Australia’s No.1 fast bowler had contemplated not touring after sitting out the current one-day series against Bangladesh to deal with his personal crisis.

But during a quick visit to renew contact with teammates, he said he was fresh, physically and mentally, and ready to fulfil his dream of playing a Test in India.

“That’s something that’s been burning inside of me for a long period of time now, so I’ll be looking forward to getting over there,” he said.

Lee’s commitment at least secures the pace attack, but the spinning conundrum must be resolved before Australia announce their squad next week.

McGain, Casson and Jason Krejza went to India to battle it out over two three-day games to determine the best spinner following the retirements of Brad Hogg and Stuart MacGill this year, and Shane Warne in 2007.

But Casson, who played in the last Test in the West Indies after MacGill retired, is unlikely to bowl again in this match.

McGain is also sore and it remains in doubt whether both will be available for the second game, in Hyderabad starting Tuesday.

With Krejza left out of the first game, part-timers Marcus North and Adam Voges bowled spin.

Given those concerns, on top of Symonds being unlikely to be in India following his costly fishing trip, Australian coach Tim Nielsen admitted part-timer Michael Clarke might have to do a lot of bowling.

Clarke’s left-arm spin is more than useful, as he took 6-9 in the Mumbai Test four years ago, and also spun Australia to victory over India in the controversy-marred Sydney Test last summer.

But a troublesome back has limited his bowling to occasional.

“To be bowling at Test-match level, even as a part-time bowler, you probably need to be doing a fair bit of work,” Nielsen said.

“For some reason he has a few issues with his back and he needs to look after it and nurse it through.

“It’s difficult for him to do a lot of work if we’re playing Test-match cricket, especially back-to-back Tests, to fit in that work.

“It’s lucky he’s a natural bowler. He can pick up a ball and pretty well lob it most of the time where he wants to.”

Nielsen said Australia would select their four best bowlers regardless of India’s spin-friendly reputation, but admitted it unlikely any more than three quicks would play.

Australia must also ensure opener Matthew Hayden has overcome an Achilles problem before the first Test, starting October 9.

But he is understood to be close to resuming batting practice.

Captain Ricky Ponting is also at home, recovering from wrist surgery.

Adding to the frustrations for Australia A – and their captain Simon Katich, who also needs batting time to press for Test selection – a wet outfield at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium delayed play yesterday, and today.

© AAP 2012

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