James Pattinson has become the third Australian, after Shane Watson and Pat Cummins, to break down with an injury this summer.
Pattinson appears to have a side strain of some sort. Earlier this year, he broke down with a foot injury against India during the Sydney test.
Australia may have performed well over the last 12 months, but players are constantly breaking down with injuries.
Before the start of the Australian summer last year, Mitchell Johnson (foot), Pat Cummins (foot), Shane Watson (Hamstring/calf), Ryan Harris (back) and Doug Bollinger (hamstring) were all injured.
Shane Watson, Pat Cummins and Ryan Harris have missed the start of this summer as well, and now James Pattinson could join them on the sidelines.
Australia played a lot of limited overs matches before the start of this summer, and the major workload has told on players like Watson, Cummins and Pattinson.
Australia’s rotation policy and medical staff will now come under serious scrutiny. However, John Inverarity has made it clear that the Aussies are looking to rotate and rest bowlers during the Sri Lankan test series come December 14th.
This will give players like Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and even Doug Bollinger a chance to come back into the side.
Australia will almost certainly look to rest Peter Siddle at some stage in the series, considering the workload he is shouldering this summer.
Redb
Roar Guru
Yep Red Kev, I meant to say the whole of the Ashes series. Why are they so fragile?
jameswm
Guest
Oh dear There seems to be strong mail that Johnson will come in as well as Starc. Apart from having two dark-haired, left-armed Mitchells in the same team, they both move the ball the same way. I think Johnson's improved on what I've seen this year, but he's got a long way to go to get a test recall. After the weekend, the quickie screaming out to be picked is Jackson Bird. 77 wickets in 14 SHield games or something similar - seriously impressive.
jameswm
Guest
Don't we have another three against someone - Sydney, Melb and Hobart?
Red Kev
Guest
It's been on the schedule for a year: Fri Feb 22 to Tue Feb 26 - 1st Test - India vs Australia - Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi Sat Mar 2 to Wed Mar 6 - 2nd Test - India vs Australia - Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Chandigarh Thur Mar 14 to Mon Mar 18 - 3rd Test - India vs Australia - Green Park, Kanpur Fri Mar 22 to Tue Mar 26 - 4th Test - India vs Australia - MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Matt F
Roar Guru
There is supposed to be an "A" tour to England in June (though players in the ODI side will be playing the Champions Trophy) so hopefully CA will play both of them in the "A" tour instead of the meaningless ODI tournament, though at least they'd still get match fitness in the Champions Trophy. There was also talk about us having a 4 test series in India starting in late February but nothing seems to have been officially confirmed
Red Kev
Guest
Even if they were fit at the start of the Ashes I wouldn't back either of them to last the full five-match series. And it would be a concern what sort of form they were in.
Redb
Roar Guru
We need Pattinson & Cummins right for the Ashes - that's the biggest concern.
Bayman
Guest
It's a good thing the Test season is nearly over. "What, only two?.........bugger"
Rhys
Guest
Andy, I agree with your thoughts on Harris. Even though his Test record is impressive, he's only been fit to play a total of 10 Tests since he made his debut in January 2010 - that's nearly 3 years ago. Harris is a quality fast bowler, but at 33, and with an almost tragic run with injuries, it's hard to see him playing much of a role going forward. Starc, Hazlewood, and Cutting should all loom large on the selectors' radar.
Jason
Guest
Well it will obviously be Siddle, Starc and Hilf. Only question is whether they play a 4th quick or Lyon. If Watto is in fact fit and able to bowl, then I'd play Lyon.
Johnno
Guest
I love to pick Hazelwood if he is fit. At the WACA he will be good, he is very impressive young bowler just injuries have slowed his progress. What's new in Australian cricket, injuries to our fast bowlers, bit Hazelwood is seriously impressive. I remember watching a state ODI match about 3 or 4 years ago now, at the SCG vs WA . The NSW quick Hazelwood ripped in with some absolute beauties. Was a superstar for Australia at the under 19 level had matured early was a class above that level when he played as he was playing senior state cricket too.
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
Harris hasn't played for months following shoulder surgery so he is no chance. Has a dodgy knee anyway and whilst he is a good bowler i don't think he will play for AUS again. Bollinger has taken 3 wickets at an average of about 70 in shield cricket this season so he is no chance. Starc should get another chance before Johnson.
CricketFanatic97
Roar Rookie
If you have a look at their records, of Harris and Bollinger, it'll be hard not to overlook them. Harris has been Australia's best bowler in the last two years probably. Bollinger's record is much better than Johnson's and he's far more consistent. Problem is both have fitness issues. I'd be not surprised to see Ryan Harris and Johnson return to the test team in the not so distant future but iI'd be really surprised if Bollinger comes as he has been under injury clouds since 2010.
TheGenuineTailender
Roar Guru
Johnson, Bollinger and Harris would truly struggle to ever get a look in again. Considering the first two to be in contention is absurd, Harris' age plays heavily against him. Injuries to bowlers is just something that happens, you just have to learn how to deal with it. Currently Australia is in a lucky position where we have a great depth in our fast bowling stocks. Mitchell Starc slots almost seamlessly back into the test side. I doubt Siddle will be rested at any stage this summer, and injury is the only reason he'd be sidelined. Jackson Bird, Ben Cutting, Josh Hazelwood, etc. there's plenty of other guys who can come into the squad too and will do the job for us.
Jason
Guest
As I have said previously, the descent from greatness for Australian cricket started when Errol Alcott stood down as the team's physio.