McGrath ruled out of Test series 

Adelaide, Dec 17: Australia, who suffered a rare Test defeat against India on home soil here yesterday, suffered yet another blow when pace spearhead Glenn McGrath was ruled out of the remainder of the four-Test series. McGrath's repaired left ankle has failed to heal completely after two operations to remove bone spurs and he would not play in what was his expected Pura Cup comeback game for New South Wales against Tasmania on Friday at Sydney.

A concerned McGrath cancelled a session in the SCG nets this afternoon after experiencing continuous pain in his ankle. He met with NSW team physiotherapist Pat Farhart later in the day after which the duo agreed a more realistic return date would be the Blues' Pura Cup clash against Victoria in Newcastle on January 9. "It basically has not settled, it is still swelling up," Farhart said. "He is still getting pain when he bowls."

While McGrath was always going to struggle to be back in time for the Melbourne Test beginning December 26, he had still been a viable option for the final Test at Sydney starting January 2. The lanky paceman has not played since pulling out on the eve of the Zimbabwe Test series in October. Australia's fast bowling department was in dire straits as they went down to India. Brad Williams, who damaged his left shoulder while fielding, just about managed to bowl in India's second innings. Jason Gillespie was forced to leave the field with a groin injury and remains in doubt for the next Test.

But express bowler Brett Lee, after emerging unscathed in his comeback to first class cricket against Victoria, is expected to get a Test call-up when the selectors finalise the third Test squad on Friday. Lee had missed the opening pair of Tests because of an ankle surgery. (Agencies)

Published: Wednesday, December 17, 2003

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