Australia facing anxious wait over Will Pucovski fitness

Captain Tim Paine has several fitness concerns to ponder, with David Warner also appearing to struggle upon his return

Will Pucovski is once again an injury doubt for Australia ahead of the fourth Test against India at The Gabba starting on Friday (January 15).

The 22-year-old, who scored 62 and 10 on his international debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground, left the field on day five after suffering a shoulder injury.

Pucovski picked up the ailment during the 86th over of the India second innings and departed after briefly receiving treatment.

Australia have sent the Victoria batsman for a scan to determine his fitness for the series decider in Brisbane later this week.

Justin Langer's side could be set for another change to their top order after Pucovski's debut was delayed by two matches due to a concussion.

There are also concerns over David Warner, who looked out-of-sorts during his return in Sydney.

Warner scored 5 and 13 in his two innings but admitted to being dogged by the groin injury which had kept him out of the start of the series.

"It might have been a bit of different circumstances if we were 2-0 up," Warner told SEN Radio before day five.

^{Warner looked far from 100 per cent fit in Sydney}

"When you're doing a fitness test at training, it's quite easy to get through that. But once you're out there it is a different intensity, playing the actual game live is where you get nervous.

"I'm trying to sprint as hard as I can. It might look like I'm on a treadmill but it's quite difficult, I'm hoping I can get through this."

Matthew Wade could return to the top of the order if either Pucovski and Warner are unable to feature, with Marcus Harris also in reserve.

Skipper Tim Paine must also consider whether to rotate his front-line seamers, who bowled a combined 135.4 overs as India carved out a third Test draw.

Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have been unchanged for the first three Tests but have just three days to recuperate.

"They handle the load pretty well," Paine explained. "They know they have a rest after the Gabba and I think they enjoy bowling there, it's a bit easier on the body, seeing the ball fly through it's a bit easier for them mentally as well, it's enjoyable for them up there. They'll be fine to go."