Australia’s reserve paceman Jackson Bird won’t return to the Test squad in India following scans on his back which revealed a bone-stress injury.

The tall Tasmania quick, who took 11 wickets in two matches in his debut Test series against Sri Lanka in January, was sent back to Melbourne from Chennai earlier this week after suffering back soreness.

Selectors were hopeful scans would clear the 26-year-old to return to India for the remainder of the four-match series, however those plans have been shelved.

“Initial tests performed in Melbourne have confirmed that Jackson Bird has a bone-stress injury of the low back,” Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said in a statement on Wednesday night.

“He will undergo further tests tomorrow (Thursday). He will not be re-joining the team in India.”

Bird’s absence leaves 50-Test veteran Mitchell Johnson as the only back-up paceman in the 16-man squad.

A team spokesman said no decision had been made on a possible replacement player.

The second Test starts in Hyderabad on Saturday.