Callum Ferguson's hopes of pushing for a national recall during the Big Bash League have been dashed by yet another knee injury.
Ferguson tweaked his left knee while fielding during the Melbourne Renegades' practice match on Tuesday.
Scans on Wednesday confirmed the worst possible news - an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
The 31-year-old will miss the rest of the 2015-16 cricket season.
He will return to Adelaide, with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) to consult with specialists regarding the best option for recovery.
Renegades captain Aaron Finch and coach David Saker both bemoaned Ferguson's horrid luck.
"It was a shocking thing for Callum yesterday," Aaron Finch said.
"A pretty innocuous fielding incident where he's done his knee.
"It's disappointing news and shocking for Callum."
Ferguson's international career was derailed in 2009, when he hurt his right knee in the Champions Trophy final and underwent a reconstruction.
He spent 12 months on the sidelines.
The right-hander returned to Australia's ODI side but hasn't played for his country since 2011.
Ferguson also suffered a major knee injury in 2004 which prevented him from taking part in the under-19 World Cup.
The Renegades are yet to announce a replacement player.
"I think we can cover it. It's more just a shame for Callum himself because he's in fantastic form," Saker said.
"He was batting really well for us in the trial games.
"He would have been a really important player for us.
"We're naturally disappointed for Callum and he has our best wishes for a full recovery."
SACA high performance manager Tim Nielsen suggested Ferguson still had plenty of cricket ahead of him.
"We look forward to helping him back to full fitness," Nielsen said.
"Callum has been in fantastic form this year in both the Matador Cup and Sheffield Shield, coming off an outstanding double-century a few weeks ago.
"He's an important part of our Redbacks squad - our main concern right now is that he gets the treatment and rehabilitation he needs."
The Renegades start their BBL campaign on Saturday night, when they face Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.
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