Australia opener Will Pucovski has been ruled out of the fourth Test against India and Marcus Harris will replace him in the playing XI, confirmed the Aussie captain Tim Paine on Thursday (January 14).

“Will Pucovski won’t play tomorrow,” said Paine. “He’s missing this Test match and Marcus Harris will replace him.”

It will be 491 days since Harris last pulled on the Baggy Green. He will open alongside fellow left-handed batsman David Warner in the fourth Test

The decision comes after the 22-year-old failing a fitness test on Thursday and being withdrawn from the Brisbane Test subsequently.

Pucovski made his debut in the drawn Test in Sydney and scored 62 in the first innings, but dislocated his shoulder while fielding.

“He tried to train this morning and didn’t quite come up, so he will have a bit of work to do with our medicos, I’d imagine, to see where he goes from here,” Paine added.

While asked about Harris, Paine described him as a “no fuss, very good player.”

“He’s been working his backside off in our hub. He deserves his opportunity.”

“He’s a really relaxed type of character, so he’s one we certainly enjoy having him in and around our group,” he added.

Paine also confirmed that the Australia playing XI will not see any more changes, with the fast bowlers recovering well despite a short turn around.

Australia (playing XI): David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood