Cricket: Aussie with hurdles to overcome

Allrounder Glenn Maxwell's gastro complaint could present Australia with another hurdle to overcome on day two of the fourth and final Test against India in Delhi.

The tourists will resume on today's second day of play on 8-231 with Peter Siddle on a career-best 47 and James Pattinson on 11.

Offspinner Maxwell batted at No.7 in Australia's first innings and made 10. However the 24-year-old was expected to play an important role on Saturday on a turning pitch, bowling in tandem with frontline spinner Nathan Lyon.

A team spokesman said on Saturday Maxwell was suffering from gastro and wasn't at the ground with the team an hour before play was due to resume at 1500 AEDT.

"The doctor will assess his progress to determine when he will return to the ground," the spokesman said.

India lead the series three-nil.

Australia skipper Michael Clarke was unavailable for the fourth Test because of a back injury, which allowed vice-captain Shane Watson to take over as Australia's 44th Test skipper.

Pace bowler Mitchell Starc is also out of Australia's side for the fourth Test after being sent home for ankle surgery.

Clarke and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin - who played in last week's third Test in place of Matthew Wade, who has since recovered from an ankle injury - are also heading back to Sydney.

-AAP