Australia has received a severe blow ahead of the Third Test at the WACA, Perth with the news of their fast bowler James Pattinson having a stress fracture in his left foot. The 21-year-old James Pattinson has been ruled out of the remaining two Test matches and has been replaced with left arm quick Mitchell Starc. The Aussies have retained the same squad except for this one change following their innings and 68 runs victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground today to take an unassailable Series lead of 2-0.
It has been revealed by John Inverarity, the National Selector that there was already a plan to rest Pattinson for the WACA Test as he had played four Tests in less than a month’s period. The 21-year-old Pattinson is having a dream run in international cricket taking 25 wickets in just 4 Tests ever since making his Debut against the Kiwis at Brisbane in December 2011.
The 6ft 3 in tall Pattinson has bowled superbly against India though he hasn’t taken a bagful of wickets. He did play a significant part in Australia’s win at Sydney after picking up four wickets on Day 1 to derail the Indian first innings. Pattinson had an indifferent second innings as he was taken for 106 runs in 23 overs besides taking the wicket of Virat Kohli today. The fast bowler seemed to have dropped down some pace today which is perhaps the result of his trouble with the landing foot. Pattinson now follows the footsteps of another young tearaway quick the 18-year-old Pattrick Cummins who is out of action with a heel injury after a dream debut against South Africa.
Australia have Ryan Harris in the sidelines who is sure to make a comeback from his injury in the Perth Test. We will have to see if the Aussies go in with left-arm quick Mitchell Starc or retain off spinner Nathan Lyon in the four-men bowling attack for the third Test.
Australia Squad for the Third Vodafone Test at Perth (January 13-17) :Michael Clarke (Captain), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (Wicket Keeper), Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon
