Australia loses Ashton Agar for Pakistan ODI series after positive COVID-19 test

Australia's depleted stocks have taken a further hit just hours before the ODI series against Pakistan begins in Lahore, with spinner Ashton Agar ruled out of the series after testing positive to COVID-19.

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Tuesday afternoon Agar would miss all three matches of the series.

Agar's withdrawal means Australia only has 13 available players for the series opener, to be contested on Tuesday evening AEDT at Gaddafi Stadium. 

Josh Inglis had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, with the wicketkeeper-batter having to isolate for five days before he can return to the squad.

Australia's physiotherapist Brendan Wilson is also isolating after returning a positive test.

T20 World Cup hero Mitch Marsh was struck down by a hip injury, having suffered the setback while fielding during a training drill.

Scans confirmed the injury was a low-grade hip flexor strain. CA said it was hopeful Marsh might still play a part in the rest of the tour.

Steve Smith was ruled out at the weekend due to an elbow injury.

The second and third ODIs will be played on March 31 and April 2 respectively.

The T20 international is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi on April 5.

AAP/ABC