McGrath ruled out of series

Glenn McGrath has been ruled out of the remainder of the current Test series against India. A spokesman for McGrath's state team, New South Wales, said that a scan has revealed that his ankle had not healed enough for him to participate in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne or the following one at Sydney, which starts on Jan 2.

"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 Jan 9."

McGrath was earlier expected to play for NSW against Tasmania on December 19, but cancelled a net session after experiencing pain. Pat Farhart, the NSW physio, explained then: "It has not settled, and still swells up. He still gets pain when he bowls."

The latest setback for Australia comes after Jason Gillespie suffered a groin strain in the second Test. Brad Williams also sprained a shoulder at Adelaide, 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 Dec 26. Australia's squad for that third Test will be announced on Monday (Dec 22), after India's tour match against Australia A.