ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC) — Australia’s selectors yesterday kept unfit pacer Peter Siddle in their 12-man squad for the third Test against West Indies at Perth starting next Wednesday, Tuesday night Caribbean time.

Siddle experienced some “hamstring soreness” during the Adelaide Test and underwent a scan yesterday which produced encouraging signs.

The fast bowler limped through the final days of the drawn Test and was expected to be unavailable for the decider, but the selectors avoided any changes when a scan on the injury showed no major damage.

“He will continue to be treated and monitored before a final decision will be made on his availability to play,” team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

If Siddle is not fit, Clint McKay will make his debut in Perth.

Australia’s chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch, said Siddle would be monitored daily leading up to the match.

“We are hopeful he will recover in time to take his place in the side for what should be an exciting climax to the three-match Test series,” Hilditch said.

Australia hold an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the three-match series after winning in Brisbane, but West Indies controlled much of the second Test after a magnificent unbeaten 165 from their captain Chris Gayle.

West Indies selectors have opted not to fly in a replacement for Jerome Taylor, who returned home with an injury after the first Test.

AUSTRALIA SQUAD — Ricky Ponting (captain), Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Clint McKay.