Krezja gains from Bryce loss

McGain ruled out of first Test

Last updated: 1st October 2008

Krezja gains from Bryce loss

McGain: Injured shoulder

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Off-spinner Jason Krejza looks poised to make his debut for Australia in the first Test against India on October 9 after Bryce McGain was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

McGain, drafted into the squad for the first time at the age of 36 with the Aussies bereft of leg-spin options, suffered the injury in last month's 'A' tour of India and he has failed to recover in time.

And with Krezja the only other full-time spinner in the tour party the 25-year-old born of Eastern European parents is likely to make the starting XI in Bangalore.

"He bowled in the nets yesterday (Tuesday) and felt some pain," team spokesman Matthew Slade said of McGain. "He won't be available for at least two weeks."

Krezja, who has played in only 23 first class matches and now represents Tasmania after starting out with New South Wales, is likely to feature in the opening match of the tour against an Indian Board President's XI starting on Thursday.

Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (capt), Matthew Hayden, Phil Jaques, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle, Jason Krejza.