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LONDON: Australia bowler James Pattinson is out of the remainder of the Ashes series owing to a stress fracture in his back, Cricket Australia confirmed yesterday.
Pattinson was diagnosed with the lower back problem after the tourists’ defeat in the second Test at Lord’s and he will now return home after the third Test at Old Trafford.
“James Pattinson reported some hip and back soreness on the final day of the second Ashes Test,” said Team doctor Peter Brukner said.
“We had some scans done today (Monday) 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.” Australian selectors may now recall Mitchell Starc, left out for the 347-run loss at Lord’s, while James Faulkner and Jackson Bird are also available to back up Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris.
England lead the series 2-0 and could clinch overall victory in Manchester, starting from August 1.
Border says top three ‘embarrassing’
SYDNEY: Former captain Allan Border yesterday took aim at Australia’s hapless batting during the Ashes series, saying the top order should be embarrassed while telling Shane Watson to sort himself out.
“Our major concern right now is the performance of the top six,” said Border, who played 156 Test matches for Australia, captaining the side 93 times as it rebuilt in the mid-1980s, laying the foundations for a long period of dominance.
“Watching, I could honestly say the nine, 10 and jack looked more competent than our one, two and three.
“If that was me in the top three I’d be embarrassed.”
Border suggested Watson was living on borrowed time.
“We all know what a wonderful player Shane Watson is. He looks like a million bucks when he’s firing,” he said in a comment piece to Cricket Australia subscribers.
“What is worrying though is that he keeps getting out in the same fashion. Now who is to blame here? Is it Watson for not adapting? What about the coaches?” REUTERS
