Oct 4th, 2017

Oct 4th, 2017

Australia’s bowling stocks have taken hit in the lead up to the Ashes with paceman James Pattinson to take an indefinite break as he recovers from a back injury.

The Victorian is recovering from a re-aggravation of a stress fracture to his lower back and team medics have told the spearhead to take time off cricket in a bid to get back to full-strength.

Cricket Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine Manager Alex Kountouris believes the injury re-occurred following Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign.

“Soon after returning from the UK, following the Champions Trophy and his county cricket contract, James presented with back pain.



“We made the decision to withdraw him from the Tour of Bangladesh and monitor his pain.



“He returned to bowling after a period of rest and unfortunately he is still experiencing pain with bowling.”

Pattinson won't take any part in the Ashes. (AAP)

Kountouris said scans revealed the paceman had re-injured the same part of his back that had caused him problems in the past.



“During this time we have been monitoring him, including regular scans and recent imaging has confirmed that James has begun to reaggravate his previous lower back stress fracture.



“However, James’ current injury is complex because his history of old stress fractures from his teenage years means there is one part of his spine that absorbs more force than it would normally do.

Pattinson expressed regret about his latest injury setback.

“Obviously I am extremely disappointed with this setback after just getting back into a good run of playing cricket.“I’m especially disappointed to miss out on the possibility to play in a home Ashes Series.“Over the next few weeks I will discuss all available options available to me with medical staff, to work out the best plan to prevent this from happening again.”