Summary Paceman James Pattinson was ruled out of Australia's next four tests due to rib damage.
The 22-year-old Pattinson left the field at the start of his second over on Saturday and didn't return to the field until Sunday, when he was allowed to bat in the second innings. But he couldn't bowl and didn't return to the field as South Africa attempted to chase a victory target of 430.
Pattinson "sustained a left lower rib injury, similar to a side strain ... which will effectively rule him out of contention for the remaining tests this summer," Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement Sunday.
"Whilst side strains are not uncommon in bowlers, James' injury involves some damage to the end of the rib and will need further investigation at the completion of this test to determine the best course of management and the timeframe to return to bowling."
A big, aggressive right-arm pace bowler, Pattinson made an impact on his test debut last December when he took 5-27 in a win over New Zealand at Brisbane. He had 31 wickets in his first six test matches, becoming a key new ball bowler in the Australian attack.
Pattinson also contributes as a left-handed batsman, averaging more than 30 per innings. He scored a career-high 42 in the first innings in Adelaide.
His absence is a significant setback for Australia, which is already missing another young quick Pat Cummins and veteran swing bowler Ryan Harris due to injuries. Allrounder Shane Watson has been under an injury cloud with a calf muscle problem and missed the first two tests against South Africa.
