Australia lose McGain

Australia have suffered a blow ahead of their Test series with India after it was confirmed leg-spinner Bryce McGain will return home due to a shoulder injury.

The uncapped 36-year-old had already been ruled out of next week’s first Test in Bangalore because of the injury, which he first sustained while on duty with Australia A last month and which flared again in a net session on Tuesday.

And Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said a decision to send the Victorian home was made today after it became apparent he would not be able to bowl for the majority of the four-Test tour.

Bryce McGain's tour of India is over due to injury

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“Bryce's injury was first sustained in an Australia A match in September and despite his workload being managed throughout the early stages of this tour, he suffered a setback at training on Tuesday in an attempt to be available for Australia's four-day match currently being played in Hyderabad,” Kantouris said.

“As a result, it has been decided that Bryce will not be available for selection for the majority of the tour.”

CA national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said a decision on whether they will replace McGain in the 15-man squad will be made in due course.

"The national selection panel hasn't made a decision on whether a replacement player for Bryce will be called up for the remainder of the tour,” he said.

“The panel will make an assessment in the coming days and determine the appropriate course of action.”

McGain’s impending departure means the Australians will have just one specialist spinner left in their squad - Tasmanian Jason Krejza, who is also yet to represent his country at international level.

The off-spinner endured a difficult first day of the current tour match going wicketless and conceding 123 runs against the Indian Board President’s XI.