Injured Mitchell Marsh ruled out of Sydney Test

Melbourne, Dec 27: Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was today ruled out of the fourth Test against India in Sydney after fresh scans revealed that his injured hamstring has deteriorated.

Australia's physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Marsh's injured hamstring would keep him out of the Sydney Test from January 6 and the focus is now ensuring his comeback in the upcoming ODI World Cup in February-March.

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

Marsh picked up the injury while bowling during the second Test in Brisbane - his fifth in just over two years. The injury forced him out of the ongoing third Test here and rookie batsman Joe Burns was brought in to replace him in the side. Head coach Darren Lehmann has already made it clear that Australia would not risk Marsh given that the World Cup is around the corner.

"He's just not 100 per cent with his hamstring. He can still feel it when he's running. We certainly don't want to take any risks on players. It's a case of making sure he's right. We've got a very big summer ahead," Lehmann said.

PTI