Paceman James Pattinson was ruled out of Australia’s next four tests due to a left side strain and rib damage less than an hour after hitting an unbeaten 29 today in the second test against top-ranked South Africa.
Pattinson left the field at the start of his second over on Saturday and didn’t return until Sunday, when he was allowed to bat in the second innings.
But he couldn’t bowl and didn’t return to the field in South Africa’s innings.
Australia team Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said that while side strains aren’t uncommon for fast bowlers, Pattinson’s injury “involves some damage to the end of the rib and will need further investigation at the completion of this test to determine ... the time frame to return to bowling.”