Sam Warburton suffered a "significant tear" during the last Test (Reuters)
Sam Warburton suffered a "significant tear" during the last Test (Reuters)

British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton will miss the final crucial Test against Australia in Sydney due to injury.

The Wales flanker suffered what was described as a "significant tear in his left hamstring" during the Lions' 16-15 second Test defeat in Melbourne on Saturday.

Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll looks set to replace the 24-year-old as captian in what would be his ninth and final Lions Test.

Warburton said he is "incredibly disappointed" to be missing the deciding test through injury.

He added: "I wish the team all the best and hope I can play some part in the build-up this week. I am confident that the boys can finish the job off and secure the series win."

The 24 year old delivered an impressive performance in the second Test as he consistently delivered full blooded tackles and earned the Lions possession with his superb work at the break down.

He was hopeful that he would be able to recover but having remained with team doctor Eanna Falvey for treatment in Melbourn he will now meet up with the rest of the squad as they look to make history and win a series for the first time in 16 years.

The injury will be a bitter blow to Warburton after missing the opening two games of the tour with a knee problem.

Either Ireland's Sean O'Brien or Justin Tipuric look set to replace the Welshman in the starting line-up as the Lions look to secure victory after narrowly missing out last Saturday when Leigh Halfpenny's final kick fell just short of the posts.