Australia’s injury woes continued with the news that all-rounder James Hopes has been ruled out of the rest of the tour of India and will now return home.

Ricky Ponting’s men (3/1 to win the ODI series) slipped to a six-wicket defeat in the third one-day international and, having opened up with a win, now trail India (2/9 favourites) 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Australia’s chances of turning the series around have been hit with the bad news about Hopes as they are already without Brett Lee, who is suffering with an elbow injury, and Tim Paine, who broke a finger in the second match.

“James has done everything he can with medical staff to try and make himself available for the remaining games of the tour of India,” said Australia physiotherapist Kevin Sims.

“However, due to the compressed nature of this tour and his speed of recovery so far we feel now we have insufficient time to have James fully fit to take part in the remaining games.

“Therefore James will return to Australia where he will continue his rehabilitation.”

The Green and Golds have confirmed that Moises Henriques will stay with the squad for the remainder of the series, while pace bowler Clinton McKay has been called up to replace Lee.

India are 8/11 favourites to win the fourth ODI, which takes place in Mohali on Monday, with Australia available at 11/10.

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