McGrath ruled out of series

Glenn McGrath has been ruled out of the remainder of the current Test series against India. A scan revealed his ankle had not healed enough for him to participate in the Boxing Day Test, a New South Wales(NSW) team spokesperson said.

"Glenn Mcgrath had a scan on Tuesday and it's improved a lot but he's still not right to play," said Glenn Daniel. "He's aiming for the New South Wales game against Victoria starting on 9 January."

McGrath was earlier expected to play for NSW against Tasmania on December 19, but cancelled a net session after experiencing pain.

"It has not settled, and still swells up. He still gets pain when he bowls," Pat Farhat, the NSW team physio, said.

The latest setback comes after Jason Gillespie suffered a groin strain in the second Test. Brad Williams sprained a shoulder joint in the same test, but bowled on the final day, allaying fears about the extent of his injury.

Australia's frontline fast bowlers have been laid low with a spate of injuries in recent months, and this led to an under-strength attack playing in the first two Tests against India.

The only sign of relief is Brett Lee's likely return to the Test squad after recovering from ankle and stomach injuries. If found fit, Lee will be a certainty for the third Test, which begins on December 26.

The squad for the third Test will be announced on Monday, December 22, after India's tour match against Australia A.