Melbourne: Mitchell Starc has become the latest young Australian fast bowler to be sidelined with a stress fracture of the lower back, an injury that puts him in doubt for the start of the Ashes series against England.
Cricket Australia issued a statement Monday saying Starc would be unavailable for a prolonged period but couldn't elaborate on the time frame for his return.
The 23-year-old left-arm paceman was sent home from England last month due to back soreness after Australia's 3-0 Ashes series defeat, missing the ongoing limited-overs series.
Starc, who has 12 test caps, joins 23-year-old James Pattinson and 20-year-old Pat Cummins on the list of young pacemen sidelined with back injuries.
Cricket Australia doctor Justin Paolini said Starc had scans after returning to Australia showed an early stage low back stress fracture.
"His management plan will be determined in the coming days but he is expected to be unavailable for a prolonged period," Paolini said.
Starc took 11 wickets in three tests during the latest Ashes series, when he was shuffled in and out of the bowling attack.
The next Ashes series starts Nov. 21 at The Gabba in Brisbane.
