Injured Pattinson out of Ashes

Fast bowler James Pattinson has been ruled out of the remaining three Ashes Tests against England because of a back injury, compounding Australia’s dreadful start to the series.

Cricket Australia released a statement Tuesday saying that Pattinson reported hip and back soreness on the last day of the  second Ashes Test, which England won by 347 runs on Sunday with a day to spare to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

CA team doctor Peter Brukner said scans identified an early stage low back stress fracture for Pattinson, who ‘will commence a rehabilitation program with the aim to have him back for the Australian summer.’ 

The 23-year-old Pattinson took five wickets as Australia lost by 14 runs in the first Test. He was less successful in the  second match, taking only two wickets. A raw and aggressive right-arm bowler, Pattinson has taken 47 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 26 and is considered a  long-term option as the Australians rebuild their bowling stocks. 

Coach Darren Lehmann now has the option to recall left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, who was dropped for the second Test to make room for swing bowler Ryan Harris, or bring Jackson Bird or James Falkner into the starting XI.