Melbourne [Australia]: England seamer Craig Overton was ruled out of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in the ongoing Ashes series after sustaining a rib injury.
Overton was hit by a Pat Cummins bouncer while batting on debut in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide, which he then aggravated in the Perth Test earlier this week.
With the England medical staff warning that Overton could potentially puncture a lung if he sustained another blow in the same area, it has been decided not to risk his health in the fourth Test. He must be considered a significant doubt for the Sydney Test, too, the ESPNcricinfo reported.
Tom Curran, Mark Wood and Mason Crane are the bowlers who are likely to replace Overton.
The 23-year-old made an unbeaten 41 in his debut for England and has claimed six wickets in his two matches to date.
Having won the Perth Test by an innings and 41 runs, Australia have already regained the coveted urn as they have now the insurmountable lead in the series.
England, who are trailing by 0-3 in the Ashes series will now play the inconsequential fourth Test beginning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26. (ANI)