Monday 25 December 2017 08:44, UK
Craig Overton will miss the Boxing Day Ashes Test in Melbourne because of a fractured rib which the seam bowler sustained during the third Test.
The Somerset bowler's participation was already a major doubt after scans, revealed mid-way through the Perth Test, showed Overton had suffered a hairline fracture.
The 23-year-old, who made his Test debut in Adelaide, fell awkwardly trying to take a caught-and-bowled opportunity at the WACA after first suffering a blow to his chest while batting in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.
A short ECB statement read: "Official confirmation that Craig Overton (is) ruled out of this Test match with a fractured rib sustained at the WACA."
The bowler, who has taken six wickets in his first two Test matches, was unable to prevent Australia regaining the Ashes as the hosts eased to an innings victory in Perth.
Overton's absence leaves Tom Curran, who was called up to replace the injured Steven Finn, leg-spinner Mason Crane and fast-bowler Mark Wood in contention for selection.
England will need to pick up at least one victory from the remaining two Test matches to avoid a 5-0 whitewash for the second successive series in Australia.
