Nathan Coulter-Nile sidelined with back injury

Australia paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile is facing a "lengthy" rehabilitation period after being diagnosed with a bone stress injury in his back.

Coulter-Nile, 28, was sent home from the tour of Sri Lanka without playing a competitive game.

A veteran of 33 international appearances for Australia in the limited-overs formats, the speedster had worked his way into the ODI and Twenty20 teams.

"After returning to Australia, Nathan underwent an MRI scan which has unfortunately revealed a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back," Australia team physiotherapist David Beakley said.

"He will now enter a lengthy rehabilitation period with his return to play to be determined in due course."

Australia have endured a difficult tour of Sri Lanka, losing the Test series 3-0 but they hold a 2-1 lead after three of five ODIs.

A pair of Twenty20s will round out the tour.