Oz stars Clarke, Pattinson ruled out of tri-series decider against Lanka

Adelaide, Mar.7 (ANI): Skipper Michael Clarke and emerging fast bowler James Pattinson have both been ruled out of the tri-series decider against Sri Lanka tomorrow in Adelaide.

Four-Test paceman Pattinson, 21, is a worry, breaking down with a buttock strain just a week after returning from a two month foot injury, the Herald Sun reports.

Australian coach Mickey Arthur confirmed Clarke's torn left hamstring "wasn't looking good".

Both Clarke and Pattinson will have scans this afternoon with Cricket Australia indicating results may not be released until tomorrow.

It has been revealed that Clarke will miss the first segment of the five match, one-day series against the West Indies in the Caribbean starting March 16 in St Vincent and may not return until the first Test on April 7 in Barbados.

Meanwhile for Wednesday's tri-series decider, New South Wales batsman Peter Forrest will replace Clarke.

South Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon and Tasmanian fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus will push to fill Pattinson's spot.

Left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty is under pressure to hold his place after going wicketless in Tuesday night's second final loss to Sri Lanka.

No reinforcements will be drafted in for the West Indies tour with Forrest touring as the reserve batsman. (ANI)