India vs Australia: James Pattinson ruled out for the Third Test

Australian pacer James Pattinson has been ruled out of contention to play the Sydney Test against India because of an injury.

The Victorian reportedly hurt his ribs due to a fall at his residence while on approved leave after the Boxing Day Test.

James Pattinson, who did not play the first two Tests, is widely considered as the first back-up option for Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in the Australian pace department.

Cricket Australia has not named a replacement for the injured pacer. Michael Neser and Sean Abbott, who himself has just returned from a calf injury, are the other two reserve pacers in the Aussie Test squad. Both of them are yet to make their Test debuts.

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James Pattinson has been bogged down by a spate of injuries throughout his career. He will be assessed after the Sydney Test to confirm his availability for the final encounter of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Brisbane.

James Pattinson has snared 81 wickets in the 21 Test matches he has played for Australia thus far, doing so at a decent average of 26.33.

This includes four 5-wicket hauls with the best figures of 5/27. He has achieved twice, firstly in his debut Test against New Zealand at the Gabba and subsequently against West Indies at Hobart.

Source: SportsKeeda