Australian captain Pat Cummins did not take the field when the West Indies run chase got underway at Perth Stadium on Saturday afternoon due to mild quad soreness.
The 28-year-old, who claimed 3/34 from 20.2 overs in the first innings of the series opener, was replaced by substitute fielder Scott Boland for the afternoon session of day four.
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“Cummins is experiencing some mild right sided quadricep soreness,” Cricket Australia said in a statement on Saturday.
“He will continue to be monitored by team medical staff and his availability to bowl in the second innings will be assessed on an ongoing basis.“
According to The Daily Telegraph, Cummins underwent an MRI scan on Friday evening.
Steve Smith, who captained Australia during last summer’s Ashes Test in Adelaide, led the side after the lunch break in Cummins’ absence.
It leaves the Australians without one of their strike bowlers as they hunt the 10 wickets required to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.
West Australian all-rounder Cameron Green will presumably take on a more prominent role with the ball in the second innings, while part-time spinners Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head may be required if Cummins does not return.
The second and final Test between Australia and the West Indies gets underway at Adelaide Oval on Thursday afternoon, in less than five days.
Workload management is expected to be crucial for Australia’s seamers this summer, and taking a cautious approach to Cummins’ niggle is understandable considering the short turnaround.
It is not clear whether Cummins is in doubt for the second Test.
Australia set the West Indies a target of 498 for victory on Saturday, with the hosts needing 10 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
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