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New Delhi - Injury-plagued Australia suffered yet another blow on Tuesday when fast bowler Peter Siddle was ruled out of the rest of the one-day series in India because of a side strain.
Siddle is the fourth player after fellow fast bowler Brett Lee, all-rounder James Hopes and wicketkeeper Tim Paine to be sent home with injury.
The tourists were already missing one-day regulars Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Callum Ferguson and Nathan Bracken, all out the tour with various niggles.
Siddle bowled five overs during his team's 24-run win in the fourth match in Mohali on Monday before experiencing stiffness near his left rib cage.
Team physiotherapist Kevin Sims said Siddle's injury was not serious but he was told to leave the tour because he was unlikely to be available for the last three games of the seven-match series.
"With this in mind, we have made the decision that Peter will return to Australia, where he will be reviewed by Cricket Australia medical staff to ensure he is available for selection at the beginning of the Australian summer," Sims said.
A statement from Cricket Australia said selectors were "discussing the possibility" of a replacement for the rest of the series.
The tourists have already flown in all-rounder Moises Henriques and wicketkeeper Graham Manou to reinforce the depleted squad.
India and Australia are tied 2-2 with the fifth match to be played in Hyderabad on Thursday.
