Bresnan out of final Ashes Test, remaining season with back stress fracture

England bowler Tim Bresnan will reportedly miss the final Ashes Test at The Oval and the remaining season because of a stress fracture in his lower back.

According to the Mirror, the fast bowler, who was instrumental in England's Ashes series clinching win in Durham earlier this week, had been told to rest immediately before his rehabilitation programme can begin, although he is now targeting the winter's return series in Australia.

The report further said that although Bresnan had felt discomfort throughout the Durham Test, his stress fracture was only noticed after two scans following the game, adding that Bresnan is reportedly devastated to be missing out on the South London knees-up next week.

However, the report said that the bowler accepted that his best chances of playing in Australia rests on him having a swift recovery from his injury given that the home series has already been won by England.

With Bresnan out from the field, his spot will be up for grabs for next week's fifth Test at the Kia Oval, and may turn out to be the uncapped James Harris or Ben Stokes' gain as England will delay naming their squad for the fifth Test until after the England Lions have played Australia over the weekend.

The report also said that Chris Tremlett would also be the favourite to make his return to the England, since Graham Onions is out with a broken little finger.