Pat Brown ruled out of Big Bash and South Africa white-ball series

The 21-year-old was preparing to represent Melbourne Stars in the competition, having signed for the second half of the tournament as a replacement for South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn

Pat Brown has been ruled out of the Big Bash and the white-ball leg of England’s South Africa tour after suffering a lower back stress fracture.

The 21-year-old was preparing to represent Melbourne Stars in the competition, having signed for the second half of the tournament as a replacement for South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn.

The Worcestershire bowler sustained a similar injury last year, which ruled him out of the Bangladesh Premier League, where he was due to play for Sylhet Sixers.

Brown had enjoyed a breakthrough season in the T20 Blast in 2018, taking 31 wickets as he drove his side to a maiden title. He followed that up with another fine campaign, with Worcestershire only failing to retain their crown after losing to Essex off the final ball of the 2019 final.

An England debut followed, with Brown taking three wickets during England’s T20I series against New Zealand. Although he conceded his runs at 9.84 runs per over, he impressed during a batsman-dominant series.

Gutted to be ruled out of the big bash and England white ball tour of South Africa with a stress fracture. Will be doing everything to get back on the park as soon as possible. https://t.co/g5SRHvcU11

— Pat Brown (@Patbrowny6) January 6, 2020

He has now been withdrawn from all cricket for the rest of the winter; he will return home to begin his rehabilitation with his county’s medical team.

Haris Rauf, who impressed as an injury replacement for Steyn early on in the Big Bash, will likely replace Brown for the Melbourne side.

England will announce a replacement for the three-match ODI series and for the three IT20s against South Africa in due course.