Australian fast bowler Starc out with back injury

Mitchell Starc is expected to be out for a "prolonged period" with a back stress fracture in a further blow to Australia's fast-bowling stocks, Cricket Australia said yesterday.

Starc returned home earlier this month from Australia's one-day series in England with lower back soreness and CA's worst fears were realised with confirmation of his injury.

"Mitch Starc had scans following his arrival back to Australia and they have shown an early stage low back stress fracture," CA's chief medical officer Justin Paolini said.

"His management plan will be determined in the coming days but he is expected to be unavailable for a prolonged period."

The left-arm fast medium bowler endured a frustrating tour of England, playing in the first, third and fifth tests of the five-match Ashes series while being dropped for the second and the fourth.

There was better news about another paceman, Jackson Bird, who also returned home early from England with back trouble.

"Jackson returned home with some lower back soreness. We have ruled out a major injury but will review scans in two weeks to confirm this," Paolini said.