Australia’s hopes of fielding the ‘Big four’ pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson suffered a huge hit after the latter was ruled out of the upcoming Ashes.
Pattinson will be out of the game indefinitely after he re-aggravated a lower back stress fracture that has seen the pacer sidelined since July 1.
Doubts had remained over the Victorian bowler’s fitness after fears that he remains vulnerable to recurring stress fractures on his back.
Pattinson was disappointed to suffer a fresh setback after undergoing rehabilitation in the past few months.
“Obviously I am extremely disappointed with this setback after just getting back into a good run of playing cricket,” the 27-year-old told cricket.com.au.
“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.”
Pattinson had asked not to be selected in the Border Gavaskar Test series in India earlier this year which had led to a call-up for Pat Cummins.
The Victorian had been a member of Australia’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in England during the summer but did not see any playing time.
The pacer complained of back pains after returning from his county stint.
He complained of back pains after his return from a county stint with Nottinghamshire following which he was withdrawn from the touring party to Bangladesh.
Australia bowling coach David Saker had earlier given an update on the fitness of the pace attack with Mitchell Johnson nearing his comeback to competitive cricket after his injury lay-off.
“Three of them we know are on track,” Saker said. “James Pattinson’s had a little setback but we’re not sure how bad at the moment. Josh Hazlewood is on track to play the first Test. Mitchell Starc’s going really well and Patty’s obviously flying,” he added.
The fourth pacer slot for the Ashes series has candidates like Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jackson Bird waiting in the wings.
England are set to arrive Down Under on October 28 with the first Test starting at the Gabba in Brisbane on November 23.
