Australia’s pace depth has taken a hit after James Pattinson hurt his ribs in a fall, leaving the fast bowler in doubt for the final two Tests against India.
Pattinson is yet to feature in the four-Test series but would have been a near-automatic inclusion if anything were to happen to one of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc.
The Victorian will be assessed after the SCG Test, starting Thursday, which team management has confirmed he will miss.
There is a three-day break between the third and fourth Tests, presuming the clash in Sydney runs into a fifth day.
As such, Pattinson may struggle to convince medicos and selectors he is ready to be recalled at the Gabba.
A team spokesperson said Pattinson has bruised ribs after a fall at his property, which he returned to while on approved leave from the team’s hub in Melbourne.
The 30-year-old, who played last year’s SCG Test and two Tests during the 2019 Ashes, will not be replaced in the squad.
Pattinson’s setback means Michael Neser and Sean Abbott are both one step closer to a Test debut.
Australia are expected to name an unchanged attack for the third Test.
The four-Test series is currently locked at 1-1 after India’s upset victory at the MCG.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Patto and hazelwood prone to hamstring and niggles it's why rotation isn't a bad idea at selected grounds where they have good averages burnout selectors get stubborn .Patto was best selected at mcg and scg where others can struggle historically against india it seems with less impressive averages . All that said if we hold our catches it would have helped at mcg
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Geez...is this guy the most injury prone fast bowler in the country?!?
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Neser at gabba would be very interesting ,and pattinson was the pick for mcg with average of 16. Selectors never learn at mcg and scg for mine
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Neser would go very well on his home track at gabba anyway , should they end up actually playing there which is tricky as it stands . Pattinson shoud have started mcg with average of 16 there but selectors got it wrong and stuck with same quartet that have most twice to india there In two years who are most definitely more suited to Adelaide and Brisbane
elvis
Roar Rookie
Are we ever going to see the 4 horsemen? The best 4 man pace attack since the 80s West Indies or the 2005 English? Ironic the man keeping it from happening is a finger spinner, what are the odds of a great finger spinner coming along at the same time?
Kopa Shamsu
Guest
Perfect scope to add JR in squad.
Jero
Roar Rookie
It's hard to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine, you know.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Seems a bit strange for such a young man, an athlete no less, to suffer a fall. No further details provided as to the circumstances. The risks of the festive season ..
JGK
Roar Guru
Neser is ahead of Abbott but the Big 3 are all still fit anyway.
Rohan
Roar Rookie
Abbot now then eh?
JGK
Roar Guru
Shades of Greg Ritchie missing a Boxing Test in the '85 (having scored a ton the Test before) because he dropped some wood on his toe at a Christmas BBQ at his place. His absence allowed Steve Waugh to make his debut.