McGain to miss first Test against India

Hyderabad, Oct 1 (UNI) Australian leg spinner Bryce McGain will miss first Test against India starting from October 9 owing to a shoulder injury.

McGain failed to bowl at the squad's first net session in India last week and missed the tour opener against the RCA Centre of Excellence. He tested the shoulder at training here yesterday but pulled up sore.

The 36-year-old bowler strained his right shoulder while on tour with Australia A in September.

McGain will not play in the Australians' final tour match against a Board President's XI starting here tomorrow and is also in doubt for the second Test.

Tim Nielsen, Australia's coach, confirmed that McGain would be assessed over the next 24 hours.

''With the selectors coming in on the second day of this game, we will then be in the best situation to take a decision as to whether to ask for a replacement,'' he said.

''This is a great opportunity for Jason Krejza.'' Off-break bowler Jason Krejza is the other specialist spinner in the squad while vice-captain Michael Clarke is an occasional, but useful, left-arm slow bowler.

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