Gillespie ruled out for third Test

Sydney, Dec 19: The Australian team suffered a further setback today when key fast bowler Jason Gillespie was ruled out for the crucial third cricket Test against India due to a right groin strain. Gillespie suffered the injury on Tuesday during the final day of the second Test in Adelaide and did not take the field after lunch. India won the match by four wickets to go to the December 26 Test at Melbourne with a 1-0 lead.

The bowler said he was disappointed at missing the match but would now look towards being fully fit for the final Test of the series at Sydney on January 2. Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said the bowler was asked to miss the match so that he could be fit on time for the final Test.

The Australian squad for the third Test will be announced on December 22. The selectors may find it hard to pick fast bowlers for the Melbourne Test in the absence of Gillespie and Glenn McGrath, who has been ruled out of the series due to a troubled ankle, even though Brett Lee is most likely to join the squad after returning from injury. (Agencies)

Published: Friday, December 19, 2003

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