Cricket Australia today announced that Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been ruled out of the third 3-sponsored Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) due to a strain to his right groin.

Gillespie suffered the injury during the fifth day of the second 3-sponsored Test in Adelaide on Tuesday (16 December) and was unable to take the field after lunch.

Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said: "Jason has strained his right groin and although the medical staff is confident it will resolve over the short term, we felt it was prudent for him to miss this next Test match."

Gillespie's fitness will be reviewed at the end of the Melbourne Test match with a view to his availability for the final Test in Sydney.

Jason Gillespie said: "I'm pretty disappointed at missing this Test as to play any match for Australia is a huge honour.

"I knew I was a chance of not playing but once you find out you won't play it hits you harder than you realise.

"It's now a case of getting things right for the rest of the summer as we have plenty of cricket left to play.

"I obviously won't be out on the field with the lads in Melbourne but I'll probably travel down there for treatment with Errol and be around the ground each day.

"So far I'm progressing well and I'm pleased with the improvement that's occurred over the last few days," he said.

The squad for the third 3-sponsored Test in Melbourne will be announced on Monday 22 December at 1100 (Melbourne time).