Glenn McGrath will miss Australia's two-Test series against Zimbabwe with an ankle injury. The fast bowler had been struggling to recover from surgery on his left ankle and will fly home immediately.
Australia also expect the 32-year-old to be unavailable for the one-day series in India next month.
"We feel it would be pushing it [to play] and more appropriate to have it looked at again," McGrath said.
The first Test begins in Perth on Thursday.
Uncapped left-armer Brad Williams was named as cover for McGrath in a 13-man squad. But regular back-up Andy Bichel is likely to get the nod ahead of Williams if Australia opt for a three-pronged pace attack.
 |  I think he'll get through this with flying colors |
That would leave Brett Lee opening the bowling with Jason Gillespie on the world's fastest bowling wicket. "I was hoping to play these couple of Tests and then continue with India and hopefully play my 100th Test in the Boxing Day Test match," McGrath said.
"That's been put on hold for the time being, but that's the way it goes."
Team physiotherapist Errol Alcott was confident McGrath would be back before the end of the Australian summer.
"It's a wear and tear factor, we all know that with cricket, and I think he'll get through this with flying colors," Alcott said.
McGrath rejected suggestions this setback could spell the end of a career that has brought 430 Test wickets.
"You always consider things like that, but I'm very motivated to get back," he said.
"Being five Tests off a hundred, it's a major goal of mine so while it's a bit of a hiccup, I'll be back."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
