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Australia's Ashes woes have worsened with the news that fast bowler James Pattinson will miss the rest of the series due to a back injury.
The 23-year-old had featured in both of the opening two Tests in England, taking five wickets at Trent Bridge and two at Lord's, but started to struggle during the second match and has now been ruled out until the winter.
Team doctor Peter Brukner confirmed: "James Pattinson reported some hip and back soreness on the final day of the second Ashes Test.
"We had some scans done in London that have identified an early stage low back stress fracture. Unfortunately he will not take any further part in this Test series."
Pattinson has already suffered both rib and foot problems during his fledgling Test career, which has been restricted to 12 matches to date.
Australia have plenty of pace options in their squad in England, with Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird and James Faulkner all possible replacements for Pattinson.
Starc played in the first Test and took five wickets in Nottingham, while fellow left-armer Faulkner has yet to play Test cricket. Right-armer Bird has played in two Test matches to date, taking 11 wickets against Sri Lanka back in Australia.
Shorn of Pattinson, Australia are5.50to win the third Test at Trent Bridge and keep alive their hopes of regaining the Ashes, with captain Michael Clarke3.75 to be their leading 1st innings batsman.
The Baggy Greens can be backed at2.50to secure a 1st innings lead at Old Trafford.
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