Siddle ruled out of Christchurch Test

Peter Siddle has been ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch due to back pain. Siddle bowled only eight overs during New Zealand's second innings in Wellington before back spasms forced him from the field after tea on day three; he returned on the fourth morning but did not bowl again.

"Peter experienced some discomfort in his back during the first Test in Wellington and has not recovered sufficiently enough to play the Test," Cricket Australia's physio David Beakley said. "At this stage the plan is for him to stay with the squad in Christchurch for the remainder of the tour before returning to Melbourne for further investigation."

Siddle's absence in Christchurch will likely mean a recall for James Pattinson, who played all three Tests against West Indies before shin soreness prevented him from playing later in January. Pattinson was ruled out of the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington as the selectors were unsure whether his fitness would stand up to five days of cricket.

However, captain Steven Smith said after the Wellington Test that Pattinson had been bowling well in the nets and appeared to be on track to be available for the second Test, which starts on Saturday. The only other bowling option in Australia's squad is the uncapped swing bowler Chadd Sayers, whose style is similar to that of Jackson Bird, who played in Wellington.

-via espcricinfo.com

While obviously back spasms on the face of it aren't going to be anything serious in nature, you wouldn't have thought, what's the point in keeping him with the squad, and not being looked at straight away?

It sounds like he won't play again until they have investigated the cause, so surely getting that done as soon as possible would benefit everyone?

As it turns out, Siddle has a stress-fracture in his back which will require a significant amount of rehab and time off. During his time away from the game, Siddle will also undergo surgery on his ongoing problematic ankle.

Australia's fast bowlers have suffered more than their fair share of injuries over the last 2 years - Starc, Pattinson, Bird, Harris and now Siddle among them.

www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/articl...-fractures-back.html