Starc brought in as Pattinson replacement for 3rd Test

Left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc's inclusion, in place of injured fast bowler James Pattinson, is the only change, in the 12-man Australian squad for the third Test against India in Perth, starting on January 13.

Pattinson has been ruled out of the remainder of the four-match Test series following an injuy to his left foot.

Like Pattinson, Starc is too a 21-year-old fast bowler who is rated immensely even though he has just four wickets from two Tests played so far. The 1.96m tall New South Wales bowler is known to generate tremendous pace and bounce.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon continues to be the squad despite his mediocre performance of the first two Tests.

It is likely though that he would be replaced by swing bowler Ryan Harris as there are indications that Australia will go with four fast bowlers at the bouncy WACA pitch.

The 32-year-old Harris, said to be his captain Michael Clarke's favourite, has picked 35 wickets from only eight Tests before he was laid low by injury.

"The intention of the National Selection Panel was to rest James (Pattinson) from the Perth Test match as this young man has played in four Test matches over a period of just five weeks. This intention has become a necessity after post match scans have revealed James' foot injury," national selector John Inverarity said.

Revealing the extent of Pattinson's injury, Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris, said, "James Pattinson reported some left foot pain after the second innings of the Sydney Test match. Whilst he was able to bowl unrestricted in the game he did have pain towards the end of the match.

"As such, he had X-rays and scans after the game that have cleared him of a stress fracture but have demonstrated early stage bone stress injury of the metatarsal bone of the left foot," he said.

"He will be managed carefully over the next few weeks and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the Test series against India."

The Australian squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin (vice-captain), Ed Cowan, Ryan Harris, Ben HIlfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.