New Delhi. The last test match of the series between India and Australia will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground from Friday (3 January). India has suffered a major setback before the fifth test match of the series. Fast bowler Akash Deep has been ruled out of the Sydney Test due to injury. Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed Akash Deep's exclusion from the Sydney Test. Gambhir said in a press conference held before the Sydney Test that Akash Deep has stiffness in his back. Akash Deep got a chance to play two test matches in Brisbane and Melbourne where he took 5 wickets. He was unlucky that catches were missed in both the matches during his bowling.

Indian coach Gautam Gambhir said in the press conference before the match, 'Akash Deep is out due to back pain.' Gambhir said that the final eleven will be decided after seeing the pitch. Akash Deep bowled 87.5 overs in two tests and excessive workload can also be the reason for his injury. Fast bowlers face knee, ankle and back problems on Australian grounds. Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna can play in place of Akash Deep. The last test has to be won at any cost to retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Webster will debut in place of Marsh.
All-rounder Beau Webster has been included in Australia's playing eleven in place of Mitchell Marsh, who is struggling with poor form, in the fifth and final Test. Host captain Pat Cummins gave this information on Thursday. 33-year-old Marsh has been able to score only 73 runs in seven innings of four Tests. He has bowled only 33 overs so far and has taken three wickets. Cummins said in the press conference before the match, "There is a change in our team. Beau Webster will play in place of Mitchell Marsh. Mitchell knows that he has not scored runs."

Starc is fit, will play Sydney Test
31-year-old Webster, who will play against India A in November, has taken 148 wickets and scored 5247 runs in first-class cricket. Cummins put an end to the speculations about Mitchell Starc's fitness and said that he will play the fifth Test. He said, 'He had a scan and he is fit to play.' Starc was suffering from rib swelling in the Boxing Day Test but with the help of the team physio, he bowled effectively.