Back injury ends Tremlett's tour

Chris Tremlett, the England fast bowler, is to return home from the UAE after suffering a recurrence of a back injury. England will decide upon a replacement for the remainder of the Pakistan series later today.

Tremlett, the 30-year-old fast bowler, reported stiffness in his back following the first Test. He will fly back to England on Wednesday afternoon.

He is the second man to fly home from this tour. Tim Bresnan has already been forced home with an elbow injury. Neither can blame a heavy workload having come in to the tour on the back of lengthy breaks from the game.

As a consequence, the England management were in discussions with the Lions management in Sri Lanka about replacements. Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker - both of whom were born in South Africa - are the most likely replacements, though it is understood Meaker is not fully fit. Chris Woakes, another option, has only just returned to bowling after a thigh injury, while Boyd Rankin is also suffering from a minor thigh strain. Jack Brooks and Nathan Buck will also be considered, but Dernbach is the overwhelming favourite.