Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik is set to join the Indian team in Australia on Thursday after being summoned by the team management to reinforce the bowling attack.

Kartik, who many believe should have been in the original squad, flew out late on Wednesday night and will arrive in Adelaide in time for the second Test starting on Friday.

The 27-year-old, who played the last of his four Tests against Zimbabwe in New Delhi in November, 2000, has claimed nine wickets at an average of 34.33.

He impressed during the recent tri-series at home against New Zealand and Australia, but the selectors preferred the seasoned Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh in the original 16-man touring squad.

The team management was forced to have a rethink after Harbhajan bowled poorly in the drawn first Test at Brisbane last week.

India have the option of replacing Harbhajan with Kumble for the Test, but Kartik will provide the extra cushion in case the tour selectors decide to play two spinners at Adelaide.

The wicket at the Adelaide Oval normally assists spin on the last two days.