The 29-year-old, who impressed during the series in Australia after making his debut across all formats, had a shoulder injury as well as a knee niggle which ruled him out of the first couple of games in the ongoing five-match series against England.
Take a look at six of the up-and-comers who could upset the top names at the year's first Grand Slam.
Journalist Peter Greste arrived in Australia and been reunited with his family after 400 days in a Cairo jail.
Former champion Rafael Nadal shrugged off concerns about his fitness ahead of the Australian Open and paid tribute to fellow 'Big Four' rival Andy Murray, a day after the emotional Briton revealed plans to retire.
Novak Djokovic's star still burns bright as he returns to Melbourne Park in search of a record seventh Australian Open title.
Even putting on socks and shoes caused him severe pain, the three time Grand Slam winner revealed.
The veteran coach also said both teams would have to be tactfully aware of playing at the MCG.
Paine admitted that there will be an element of uncertainty associated with the Brisbane Test if India, a powerful cricket board, wants to press the pressure button.
Former champions Stanislas Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal gave Australian Open organisers a massive boost on Tuesday when they both said they were looking forward to next week's season opening Grand Slam after battling long-term injuries.
The second Test between India and Bangladesh at Kolkata's Eden Gardens will be the first day-night Test on Indian soil, making India the seventh country to host a day-night Test.
Auckland in New Zealand has been named the world's most liveable city.
The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) on Wednesday invited proposals from consultants to conduct a 'gap analysis' to assess the existing infrastructure in the city and to state what more is needed to make it a potential venue for the Olympic Games.
After two years of injury frustration and bouts of depression, Victoria Azarenka is hoping a little bit of motorcycle riding and some street art will change people's perceptions and help her to a third Australian Open title. The 26-year-old Belarusian is one of the favourites for the year's opening grand slam that starts on Monday after proving her fitness following a nagging foot injury that has restricted her appearances over the past two years. Now injury free and fresh off her first title since August 2013 at the Brisbane International last week, she is looking forward to the courts she made her own in 2012 and 2013.
Langer has not ruled out a return to cricket for Tim Paine despite the wicketkeeper resigning
Shefali joins the trio of T20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (Sydney Thunder), opener Smriti Mandhana (Brisbane Heat) and all-rounder Veda Krishnamurthy (Hobart Hurricanes), which has featured in the WBBL.
The Australian Test team will be without a captain for the next 15 years if the country's cricket administrators are looking for someone with a 'perfect' and unblemished record, said former skipper Michael Clarke.
England cricketers -- both men and women -- will undergo anti-racism training courses this year after a survey revealed that more than one-third of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) players have faced the prejudice in the game.
A round-up of tennis matches played on Tuesday.
And, Shaheen Afridi won the T20I bowling award for his annihilation of India in the 10-wicket win for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup.
Fritz delivers as US win inaugural United Cup crown
Australia fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile could miss the Ashes series against England after breaking down with another back injury.
The changes were announced after the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) ratified recommendations made by the ICC Cricket Committee
It was a dream come true moment for Tamil Nadu bowlers Thangarasu Natarajan and Washington Sundar as they made their Test debuts at the Gabba.
Marcus Harris will be the only change to the 11, with opener David Warner cleared to play after struggling with his groin strain in Sydney.
England on Sunday named their strongest available squad for the Ashes tour to Australia as all-rounders Ben Stokes and Sam Curran missed out but seamer Stuart Broad was included despite the calf injury he picked up in the Test series against India.
CA, the ECB and Australian authorities had been negotiating for many months over the touring conditions in a country where international arrivals have to isolate in quarantine hotels for 14 days, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
If crowds flock to the India ODI on Friday, the Gabba could host a day-night Test.
As the players warm up before the tournament, meet the players who could well be contenders for the 2017 Australian Open titles.
An ESPNCricinfo report earlier stated that the Boxing Day Test will start from the traditional date of December 26 in Melbourne, following the pink-ball game at the Adelaide Oval from December 17.
In a bid to save its New Year fixture between India and Australia, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust has offered to host the Brisbane Test too, if the Queensland government refuse to grant exemptions to the teams returning from New South Wales.
Naomi Osaka is no longer a shy, introvert youngster and the newest Grand Slam winner in women's tennis says she owes her maturity to last year's US Open triumph.
The 33-year-old Swiss maestro produced a masterclass of shot-making as he thrashed Australian wildcard James Duckworth 6-0, 6-1 to charge into the semi-finals of the Australian Open warm-up event.
Ukrainian Svitolina came into the match riding high on a nine-match winning streak from the start of the season but, hampered by a hip injury, was completely outplayed by the aggressive Belgian on Rod Laver Arena.
Nick Kyrgios's Australian Open ended with a gallant fourth round defeat by an inspired Grigor Dimitrov on Sunday but the maverick talent leaves Melbourne Park after winning over a nation.
Forty years have passed since Chris O'Neil held the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup aloft as the last Australian women's champion in 1978.
Roger Federer is keeping a lid on expectations.
American tennis player Serena Williams is all set to make her comeback at the Australian Open, organisers confirmed.
Australia to open T20 World Cup defence against New Zealand.
'Everyone's got their own story. Everyone's been through ups and downs. I think what stands out for me most is just the love in this team. I'm playing for my team mates. I'm not going out there to play for my spot, or show people or prove people wrong.'
The five-Test series pours about A$200 million ($145.68 million) into Cricket Australia (CA) coffers through broadcast, sponsorship and ticketing, local media have reported.
