Ashes 2013: James Pattinson Suffers Tour Ending Injury Blow

Australia bowler James Pattinson is out of the remainder of the Ashes series against England after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back.

Pattinson complained of a hip problem on the final day of the second Test at Lord's on Sunday.

After a succession of scans on Monday early signs of a stress fracture in the lower back were discovered, a further blow to the tourists hopes of becoming the first team to overturn a 2-0 Ashes defect since 1936/37.

The 23 year old will remain with the squad for the tour match against Sussex starting on Friday and the third Test at Old Trafford before flying home.

Mitchell Starc, dropped for the second Test for Ryan Harris, Jackson Bird and uncapped all-rounder James Faulkner will all be in contention to replace Pattinson who took seven wickets at 43.85 across the two Tests this summer.

Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Coulter-Nile could be considered for a call-up from the Australia A squad currently touring in South Africa and Zimbabwe but coach Darren Lehmann, prior to learning the extent of Pattinson's injury, said additional reinforcements would not be considered.

Old Trafford's reputation for turning could even see Pattinson replaced with senior spinner Nathan Lyon, who has missed the first two Tests after Ashton Agar was retained following a surprise debut at Trent Bridge.

"James Pattinson reported some hip and back soreness on the final day of the second Ashes Test," said Cricket Australia Team Doctor Peter Brukner.

"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."

CA Team Performance General Manager Pat Howard added: "While we are obviously disappointed for James, the selectors have five bowlers fit and ready perform in England, providing them with many options.

"It is also important to note that several players have been performing for Australia A and are available to be called up at any stage if the NSP required them.

"We've been well planned to have as many bowlers fit and available in the lead-up to this important series and while this set-back for James is disappointing, we are confident we have good fast bowling depth."

Australia face England in two T20 and five one-day internationals after the Ashes series however having last played in the shorter format for his country in September 2012 and been omitted from the Champions Trophy squad, Pattinson would likely not have featured.