Australia's pace depth has taken a hit after James Pattinson hurt his ribs in a fall, leaving the fast bowler in doubt for the final two Tests against India.
Pattinson is yet to feature in the four-Test series but would have been a near-automatic inclusion if anything were to happen to one of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc.
The Victorian will be assessed after the SCG Test, starting Thursday, which team management has confirmed he will miss.
There is a three-day break between the third and fourth Tests, presuming the clash in Sydney runs into a fifth day.
As such, Pattinson may struggle to convince medicos and selectors he is ready to be recalled at the Gabba.
A team spokesperson said Pattinson has bruised ribs after a fall at his property, which he returned to while on approved leave from the team's hub in Melbourne.
The 30-year-old, who played last year's SCG Test and two Tests during the 2019 Ashes, will not be replaced in the squad.
Pattinson's setback means Michael Neser and Sean Abbott are both one step closer to a Test debut.
Australia are expected to name an unchanged attack for the third Test.
The four-Test series is currently locked at 1-1 after India's upset victory at the MCG.
