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Injuries cloud Aussie XI for women's Test

Rob ForsaithAAP
Australia's injury woes have continued with batter Rachael Haynes suffering a hamstring strain.
Camera IconAustralia's injury woes have continued with batter Rachael Haynes suffering a hamstring strain. Credit: AAP

Veteran batter Rachael Haynes is one of several players needing to prove their fitness for this week's day-night Test after Australia's injury-cursed start to the season continued in Mackay.

Haynes and in-form star Beth Mooney both left the field on Sunday because of hamstring issues during India's successful chase.

They never returned, although Haynes' setback is seemingly more serious than that of Mooney.

The one-off Test between the rivals begins at Metricon Stadium on Thursday, meaning there is scant time to convince medicos they are right to go.

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"I don't know a lot about Rach and Moons," captain Meg Lanning said.

"I don't know that it's anything major.

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"We'll assess that over the next coming days."

Spinner Sophie Molineux, who had a badly cut lip after a return throw reared off the ground, came back to field and bowl after the nasty blow.

"Really brave effort," Lanning said.

"It was a pretty solid blow ... I think her teeth are OK.

"I couldn't be more proud of her."

Legspinner Georgia Wareham, who suffered a quad injury on Friday and was forced to miss Sunday's match, is also a doubtful starter for the pink-ball clash.

Wareham is upbeat she will be ready for Test but team medicos and coach Matthew Mott will be cautious, especially given the danger of being a bowler down for the four-day contest.

Australia are guaranteed to be without several stars in the Test, with their attack set to be particularly depleted.

Spearhead Megan Schutt and spinner Jess Jonassen are missing the entire multi-format series, while tearaway Tayla Vlaeminck is not expected to be physically ready to return in the Test.

"We knew we'd be tested with our depth," Lanning said.

"Everyone who has come in has played a role and really showed some exciting skills.

"It's going to be pretty difficult to pick the team (for the Test), there's a lot of good young fast bowlers in form."

Haynes and Wareham were among the squad members to spend a fortnight in hard quarantine, having arrived in Queensland from either Sydney or Melbourne.

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