Back injury rules Bresnan out of final Ashes Test
ENGLAND bowler Tim Bresnan has been ruled out of the final Ashes Test at the Oval next week with a stress fracture in his lower back.
The 28-year-old has played in the last three Test matches against Australia after replacing Steven Finn in the England attack and has taken 10 wickets, helping the hosts build an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Bresnan, who underwent surgery on an elbow injury in February, is also set to miss the five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches that will complete the summer schedule.
He is likely to be replaced at the Oval by 31-year-old Hampshire bowler Chris Tremlett, who last played for England against Pakistan in January and has taken 49 Test wickets.
“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,” an ECB statement confirmed.
“Bresnan will begin a recovery and rehabilitation programme and a date for his return to cricket will be determined in due course.”
Meanwhile, Australia have named leg spinner Fawad Ahmed in their 18-man squad for the one-day series.
Ahmed arrived in Australia in 2010 as an asylum seeker from Pakistan and was fast-tracked for citizenship earlier this year.
The 31-year-old has featured for the Australia A team against India and South Africa this summer and has taken 56 wickets in 18 first-class matches.
“Fawad Ahmed gets his opportunity as the squad’s lead spinner,” said national selector John Inverarity.
“He is a mature and very good leg-spin bowler and the national selection panel is keen to see how he fares in international competition.
“He has been bowling very well in South Africa and turning the ball and troubling the batsmen so we’re keen to have a look at him. He takes Xavier Doherty’s place, who has been a fine performer for us over the years.”