Mitchell Marsh ruled out of Sydney Test

Allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Sydney Test after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Marsh hurt his right hamstring while bowling in the first innings at the Gabba and was replaced by batsman Joe Burns for the Boxing Day Test. He travelled with the squad to Melbourne and the Australians hoped he would be available in Sydney, but Marsh felt a niggle while running after play on the first day in Melbourne.

"Mitchell Marsh had scans on his injured hamstring this morning after reporting some soreness yesterday," team physio Alex Kountouris said. "The scans confirm that he has suffered a setback in his rehab and will not be available for the Sydney Test match. Our focus for Mitchell will now be on his return to one-day cricket as we lead into the tri-series."

Marsh is likely to be part of Australia's World Cup squad and the probability is that he will return through the one-day series featuring Australia, England and India before the World Cup.

His absence from the Sydney Test side will mean allrounder Shane Watson is again required to act as the fifth bowler at the SCG, while Burns and Shaun Marsh will likely retain their places at Nos.5 and 6.

Marsh has impressed with the bat during the first four Tests of his career, averaging 37.42, and he had just taken his maiden wicket when he left the field in Brisbane.