In a massive setback to Australia, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been ruled out of their next World Cup fixture against Pakistan as he suffered a side strain during his side's 36-run defeat to India. The team management has flown in all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as his replacement.

The 29-year-old Stoinis will be reassessed ahead of Australia's match against Sri Lanka on Saturday before an official call is taken to replace Stoinis permanently in their 15-man squad with Marsh.

“(We're) not exactly sure on how many games he'll miss. That's why Mitch is flying over. It's still being assessed,” captain Aaron Finch said.

“Over the next couple of days we'll have a clearer picture on what that looks like,” he added.

According to the ICC regulations for the World Cup, an injured player can be replaced, but they cannot later rejoin the squad if they regain full fitness.

Stoinis took 2/62 in his seven overs as India racked up 352 for five. His wicket included a superb caught-and-bowled effort to remove wicketkeeper MS Dhoni.

He also took the catch of Indian skipper Virat Kohli in the deep off a Pat Cummins delivery during the match.