Tim Bresnan will miss the final Ashes Test against Australia because of a back problem – and is a doubt for the return series Down Under.
England hold a 3-0 series lead ahead of the final Test, which begins on Wednesday at the Oval, after wins at Trent Bridge, Lord’s and Durham, having also played out a draw at Old Trafford.
Bresnan, however, will miss the chance to take part at the Oval because he has a stress fracture in his lower back.
It is too early to tell whether or not he will be fit for the return series in Australia this winter, but the bowler will miss the T20 and one-day fixtures which follow the current Ashes series.
An ECB statement read: “England and Yorkshire pace bowler Tim Bresnan has been ruled out of the remainder of the international season with a stress fracture in his lower back.
“Bresnan will begin a recovery and rehabilitation programme and a date for his return to cricket will be determined in due course.”
Chris Tremlett has been tipped to replace Bresnan in the fifth Test at the Oval, despite not having made an England Test appearance for 18 months.
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