James Pattinson to miss rest of Ashes series with back injury Australia's beleaguered Ashes campaign has suffered another crushing blow, with young spearhead James Pattinson ruled out of the series with a serious back injury. Pattinson has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back in the aftermath of Australia's 347-run defeat at Lord's, and faces several months on the sidelines. The 23-year-old was well below his best in the second Test, taking 2-137 for the match, and complained of soreness in his hip and back on the final day of the match. Ashes blow: James Pattinson will miss the rest of the series. The injury is a major setback for Pattinson, whose career has been blighted by injuries and who declared before the Ashes he was nearing his physical peak. He missed much of last summer with a side strain and the previous summer broke down with a bone injury in his foot. His absence for the remaining three Ashes Tests will open the way for Mitchell Starc or Jackson Bird to be recalled. The selectors could also send for reinforcements from the Australia A squad, which is touring South Africa and Zimbabwe, where exciting quick Pat Cummins took four wickets in the opening match last week. "While we are obviously disappointed for James, the selectors have five bowlers fit and ready perform in England, providing them with many options," said team performance manager Pat Howard. 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. Team doctor Peter Brukner said Pattinson would be strive to be fit for next summer's home Ashes series. 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," said Brukner. Pattinson will stay in England until the squad arrives in Manchester for the third Test.