Ashes: James Pattinson forced out by injury

Australia bowler James Pattinson will play no further part in this summer’s Ashes series. Pattinson was diagnosed with a stress fracture of his lower back following Sunday’s conclusion to the second Test defeat at Lord’s and will return home to Australia after the third Test at Old Trafford.

James Pattinson: Back problem. Picture: PA

Team doctor Peter Brukner said: “James Pattinson reported some hip and back soreness on the final day of the second Ashes Test. 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.”

Bird and Faulkner could feature in a tour match against Sussex at Hove along with off-spinner Nathan Lyon, another option at Old Trafford should conditions lead Australia to change the balance of their attack. A 2-0 series deficit means England could clinch the series with victory in Manchester, starting from August 1.

The problems facing the tourists are considerable, starting with the limp performances of the top-order batsmen but extending to their consistently muddled use of DRS and a number of off-field issues that are threatening to overshadow the main job of playing cricket. Coach Darren Lehmann has already acknowledged the likelihood of changes and reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade is also set for a run-out against Sussex, while bad boy David Warner will return from Australia A duty in time for the third Test.

“I say all the time the whole 18 have a chance to play,” said Lehmann. “I’m not ruling anything out. That is what happens when you have two losses, every option is open. As selectors Rod (Marsh), John (Inverarity) and I will have to speak about it and see where we come to. Ashton (Agar) is a bit sore and I don’t think he will play in Sussex so Nathan Lyon will play obviously. Then we just have to look at the wicket (at Old Trafford) because history shows it spins a bit. If it’s going to spin we will certainly have a look at two spinners.”

England have already banked three centuries in the series, but Australia’s batsmen have proved far too flimsy. “We have certainly got to bat better, we know that,” admitted Lehmann.