M.Starc to miss Ashes through back injury

SYDNEY: Mitchell Starc is expected to be out for a "prolonged period" with a back stress fracture in a further blow to Australia's fast bowling stocks, Cricket Australia said Monday.

Starc returned home earlier this month from Australia's one-day series in England with lower back soreness and CA's worst fears were realised with confirmation of his injury.

The left-arm fast medium bowler endured a frustrating tour of England, playing in the first, third and fifth Tests of the five-match Ashes series while being dropped for the second and the fourth.

CA had better news concerning another paceman Jackson Bird, who also returned home early from England with back trouble. "Jackson returned home with some lower back soreness. We have ruled out a major injury but will review scans in two weeks to confirm this," Paolini said.
Starc joins other Australian fast bowlers James Pattinson and Pat Cummins on the sidelines with back injuries.

Pattinson was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his back after the second Test at Lord's in July, while Cummins is expected to miss most of the 2013-14 domestic season with recurring back trouble.

CA general manager team performance Pat Howard said Starc, Pattinson and Cummins were all under 24 years of age and studies had shown that until fast bowlers get into their mid-20s they are more susceptible to injury. (AFP)