Pattinson ruled out of Bangladesh tour
Australia's fast-bowling stocks have taken another hit with James Pattinson ruled out of this month's Test tour of Bangladesh, reports Sydney Morning Herald.
Pattinson, 27, has been replaced by Jackson Bird, who toured India earlier this year but did not play a Test.
Pattinson had complained of soreness in recent days and was sent for scans on Friday. These have shown inflammation around an old stress fracture which contributed to his long lay-off last year.
The Victorian quick had returned from injury late in the Australian summer and helped the Bushrangers to the Sheffield Shield title. He recently returned from a successful stint in English county cricket and is said to be "shattered" by his latest injury.
It's expected Pattinson will able to resume full training in about a month, ensuring his focus can be on regaining his Test spot ahead of the home Ashes series. He is expected to be available come the start of the domestic summer.
He played the last of his 17 Tests against New Zealand in Christchurch in February last year, and had been encouraged to modify his bowling action as a result of back problems.
Pattinson's absence follows the decision to rest spearhead Mitchell Starc, who had complained of soreness in his foot after the Champions Trophy in England.
Bird will join Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in the pace attack. Mitchell Swepson's rise to becoming Australia's next frontline leg-spinner will continue after he was included in the squad.
The national selectors had initially indicated they would add a fourth fast bowler but opted for another spinning option. This came, in part, because the slated Australia A tour of South Africa last month was scuttled as a result of the now-settled pay dispute. Bird had been one of four fast bowlers hoping to push for Test selection.
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