NCN faces long rehab with back fracture

Cricket Australia have announced that Australian fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile has been diagnosed with a bone stress injury, after he was sent home from the Sri Lanka tour to be assessed.

The paceman had only been part of the side for a decent stretch this year, after suffering hamstring and shoulder injuries in 2015. He is one of a few Aussie pacemen who tend to suffer from back injuries.

Team physiotherapist David Beakley said: “After returning to Australia Nathan underwent an MRI scan which has unfortunately revealed a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back.

“He will now enter a lengthy rehabilitation period with  his return to play will be determined in due course.”

Beakley had said last week, when ‘NCN’ was sent home: “Nathan had been experiencing a gradual increase in lower back pain which is now preventing him from bowling at match intensity.”