Australia quick Scott Boland escapes serious injury after third day fall

The seamer was taken for a scan following a fall off the final ball of the afternoon session on day three of the fourth Test

Australia fast bowler Scott Boland has avoided serious damage after taking a heavy fall which forced him to leave the field during day three of the fourth Test at the SCG.

The 32-year-old took a tumble via the final ball of the afternoon session.

After the tea break, he retook the field but left just two overs later, being replaced by Michael Neser.

A Cricket Australia statement later confirmed he had been taken for a scan following the fall, but a subsequent update confirmed he was given a clean bill of health ahead of his return to the field before the close.

The nature of the issue or the area under scrutiny has not been confirmed but Boland appeared to be clutching his ribs upon hitting the floor.

^{Boland picked up 2 for 6 as England wilted (David Gray/AFP/Getty Images)}

Before being forced out of the action, Boland continued his fine start to international cricket with figures of 2 for 6 from 12 overs, picking up Zak Crawley (18) and Joe Root (0) from England's top four.

The injury threatened to leave Australia a seam bowler short for the final two days of the Test. Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins are being supported by Cameron Green but their workloads may now increase.

England face a predicament of their own with allrounder Ben Stokes not expected to bowl again due to a side injury picked up during the first innings.

The host are already without Josh Hazlewood due to a side issue suffered during the first Test at Brisbane.

Our coverage of the Ashes is brought to you in association with Cricket 22

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