The Ashes 2013: James Pattinson ruled out of remainder of the series

James Pattinson’s Ashes summer in England is over

The visiting Australians suffered another cruel blow to their Ashes fortunes in the form of an injury to pace bowler James Pattinson which has ruled him out of the rest of the Test series in England.

Pattinson has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of the lower back.

The strapping fast bowler underwent scans post the end of the 2nd Investec Ashes Test at Lord’s which revealed signs of a stress fracture. Pattinson had earlier reported soreness in the back and hip.

This injury is the most recent one in the 23-year old’s career who has had his fair share in the past; he suffered a rib injury while playing the South Africans last year and also sustained a foot problem on the tour of India last year.

Peter Brukner, Cricket Australia team doctor, said: “We had some scans done today in London that have identified an early stage low back stress fracture. Unfortunately, he will not take any further part in this Test series and will commence a rehabilitation program with the aim to have him back for the Australian summer.”

Pat Howard, the Cricket Australia team performance manager, also spoke on Pattinson’s injury: “While we are obviously disappointed for James, the selectors have five bowlers fit and ready perform in England, providing them with many options.”

Pattinson’s place for the 3rd Test beginning on 1st August was under scrutiny even before the injury after a couple of mediocre outings in the first 2 Tests where he picked up just 7 wickets at an average of 43.85.

Either of Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird or James Faulkner is expected to replace Pattinson in the starting XI.