Bengaluru: Premier Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the Test series against India after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot.

"Mitchell experienced some pain in his right foot during the second Test in Bangalore which unfortunately had not subsided a few days after the Test as we had hoped," team physiotherapist David Beakley said.

"We made the decision to scan his foot in Bangalore this morning and unfortunately it has revealed a stress fracture. Subsequently, this means Mitchell will be unavailable for the remainder of the Qantas Tour of India and will return home to Australia to start his rehabilitation."

"At this stage no replacement has been named for Starc, with Tasmania's Jackson Bird the reserve fast bowler in the touring party," Beakley added.

Starc has been crucial for Australia in both the Pune and Bangalore Tests and played a key role with both bat and ball.

Starc made an important 61 in the first innings at Pune and then dismissed Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara to turn the match in Australia's favour.

In Bengaluru, the fast bowler removed Ajinkya Rahane and Karun Nair in successive deliveries to once again tilt the match in Australia's favour.

Starc has suffered stress fractures before also and was forced to miss the ICC World T20 in India March last year.

With the Australian pace spearhead now flying back, the Indians will breathe a sigh of relief.

The third Test starts from March 16 at Ranchi.