Australia's chances of coming from behind to win the series against India suffered a blow on Wednesday when paceman Glenn McGrath was ruled out of the remaining two Tests.
McGrath, who missed the first two matches after undergoing ankle surgery in August, had hoped to play in the Melbourne Test, which starts on December 26 and the Sydney Test beginning on January 2.
But New South Wales selectors have ruled the 33-year-old out of the four-day interstate match against Tasmania in Sydney starting on Friday and say the fast bowler has earmarked January 9 for his return.
"Glenn had a scan yesterday (Tuesday) and it's improved a lot but he's still not right to play," New South Wales team spokesman Glenn Daniel told reporters."He's aiming for the New South Wales game against Victoria starting on January 9."
McGrath is the sixth highest wicket-taker in Tests with 430 victims in 95 matches.
India lead the four-Test series against Australia 1-0 after winning the second Test in Adelaide by four wickets on Tuesday.
Australia were also without paceman Brett Lee and leg spinner Shane Warne, who is serving a 12-month doping ban, for the first two Tests.
Fast bowler Jason Gillespie suffered a groin strain in Adelaide while Brad Williams was also hampered by a shoulder complaint.
The fiery Lee is set to return from stomach and ankle injuries for the third Test after taking four wickets for New South Wales in an interstate match against Victoria in Melbourne earlier this week.
"Brett's okay and he's in good shape," Daniel said.
