Pattinson ruled out of India series, Starc named replacement

Australian fast bowler James Pattinson has been ruled out of remaining two Tests against India due to a foot injury and has been replaced with Mitchell Starc for the third Test at Perth.

Commenting on the squad on Friday, national selector John Inverarity said the intention of the National Selection Panel was to rest Pattinson from the Perth Test as the young man has played in four Test matches over a period of just five weeks.

“This intention has become a necessity after post-match scans have revealed James’ foot injury,” said Inverarity.

Australia’s physiotherapist Alex Kountouris confirmed Pattinson’s absence from the ongoing series.

“James reported some left foot pain after the second innings of the Sydney Test match. Whilst he was able to bowl unrestricted in the game, he did have pain towards the end of the match. As such, he had x-rays and scans after the game that have cleared him of a stress fracture but have demonstrated early stage bone stress injury of the metatarsal bone on the left foot. He will be managed carefully over the next few weeks and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the series,” said Kountouris.

Pattinson took five wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and has impressed ever since he made his Test debut against New Zealand last month.

His absence makes Ryan Harris a strong contender for a playing eleven spot at the WACA ground. The third Test begins on Jan 13.