Scans clear Will Pucovski of shoulder damage, but pain could keep him out of Gabba Test

Will Pucovski has received good news about his injured shoulder, but will still be racing the clock to be fit for the fourth Test in Brisbane.

Australia's Mitchell Starc (right) talks to Pat Cummins during day five. Picture: AFP

Australian batsman Will Pucovski is in pain but still a chance of playing the Gabba Test against an injury-stricken Indian team which could be missing its two best bowlers.

India’s hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have received devastating blows with the breakdown of pace ace Jasprit Bumrah and a back injury to spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

Bumrah, according to the Press Trust of India, is set to miss Friday’s Gabba Test while Ashwin is likely to be sent for scans on a sore back on Wednesday to determine his fitness.

Ashwin batted through the final day to secure a famous draw for his team in the third Test in Sydney on Monday after being unable to sit down in the dressing room after sustaining a back problem the day before.

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He is still a chance of playing Friday but may have to bowl through pain.

A Cricket Australia spokesman said on Tuesday that Pucovski had suffered a shoulder injury while diving in the field on day five of the Sydney Test and would continue rest and rehabilitation over the next two days before a decision is made on his fitness for the Test.

He was known to be still in pain but scans on the shoulder did not reveal any major structural damage.

Will Pucovski clutches his shoulder after diving for the ball. Picture: Getty Images

The 22-year-old gutsed it out initially after suffering the injury, but soon left the field for treatment and eventually the SCG altogether for further examination.

Friday’s fourth Test start gives Pucovski precious little time to recover, and Australia could be forced into its third opening combination for the series if Harris — who hasn’t played a match in over a month — comes into calculations.

Meanwhile, there are also concerns about Australia’s pace bowling attack being able to back-up for another Test after a gruelling day where the quicks were forced to break their backs attempting to dislodge India’s defiant batsmen.

Pucovski reacts after being hurt while fielding during the fifth day in Sydney.

Mitchell Starc had two catches dropped off his bowling but at stages looked a shadow of the player who can be among the most damaging in world cricket, seemingly down on energy as the shadows lengthened at the SCG on Monday.

The mighty left-armer was down on pace, hovering in the mid-130km/h range at times, and lacked any penetration when confronted with India’s stonewallers.

Starc bravely kept charging in and when he did finally get the edge of Hanuma Vihari, it was put down by captain Tim Paine.

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were forced to bowl upwards of 30 overs for the final innings and for the first time this summer, coach Justin Langer may have to consider going to his fast bowling bullpen for assistance.

Mitchell Starc lacked any penetration and pace on the final day.

Starc reacts after Tim Paine dropped a catch off Hanuma Vihari.

However, in a major blow, James Pattinson is unlikely to be available for selection after a freak lawn mowing accident at his property around New Year injured his ribs.

Pattinson would have been next in line, particularly if an attacking weapon like Starc was rested, but now selectors may have to seriously consider uncapped debutants Neser and Sean Abbott.

Selectors will be reluctant to change a winning line-up, particularly when Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood have been so brilliant all series.

But a four-Test campaign takes its toll.

Queenslander Neser could be the favourite if a bowling change is made given his experience and wicket-taking success at the Gabba.

Australian captain Tim Paine believes his fast bowling trio will be right to back-up at the Gabba.

“No I don’t think so. They’re pretty well conditioned to it now,” said Paine.

“They handle the load pretty well. They know after that Test match they have a rest after the Gabba and I think they enjoy bowling at the Gabba.

“It’s a bit easier on the body. They enjoy seeing the ball fly through so it’s a bit easier for them mentally as well, and just enjoyable for them up there. I think they’ll be fine to go.”