Australia [Images] opening batsman Phil Jacques will return home from the Test tour of India due to a back problem.

The left-handed batsman sat out the drawn first Test after Simon Katich was chosen to partner fellow opener Matthew Hayden [Images]. The pair were retained for the second Test, which began earlier on Friday.

"Phil has had a long-standing problem with his lower back that has been manageable up until now," physio Alex Kountouris said in a team statement.

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"The point has come where the injury is significantly limiting his ability to play, so he will return to Australia to seek specialist opinion on the best course of action."

The 29-year-old New South Wales batsman has played 11 Tests, scoring three centuries.

The selectors will decide on a replacement soon.

The injuries are starting to mount for Australia, who lost leg spinner Bryce McGain before the first Test while new ball bowler Stuart Clark is sitting out the Mohali game due to an elbow injury.