Cricket: Bad back sends reserve Jaques home

Australian reserve opener Phil Jaques will fly home today due to a back problem that has worsened since he arrived in India last month.

Jaques arrived as Matthew Hayden's first-choice opening partner but was tipped out of the slot by his New South Wales captain Simon Katich ahead of the first test and has struggled to make it to the nets since due to the back complaint.

Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Jaques' problem now required the attention of a specialist.

"Phil has had a long standing problem with his lower back that has been manageable up until now," he said today.

"The point has come where the injury is significantly limiting his ability to play, so he will return to Australia to seek specialist opinion on the best course of action."

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch will mull over the choice of a replacement over the next few days before naming him towards the end of the second test against India currently being played in Mohali.

Candidates for a call-up should include West Australians Shaun Marsh and Luke Pomersbach and Victorian Brad Hodge, who has made two hundreds in his three state innings so far this summer.

- AAP