England bowler Graham Onions is to undergo back surgery next week that will rule him out of action for nine months.

The 27-year-old has not played since the tour of South Africa at the start of the year, due to stress fractures on both sides of his back.

He was hoping to cure the problem through non-surgical treatment but that has proved unsuccessful and Onions will now go under the knife, ruling the Durham seamer out of this winter’s Ashes series in Australia.

"Obviously I'm shattered to have been ruled out of the Ashes with the prospect of a lengthy recovery period," said Onions.

"After experiencing the euphoria of being part of an Ashes winning England team last year I was determined to get myself fit for selection ahead of this winter's tour of Australia.

"Unfortunately that's not to be and even though we have tried every possible form of treatment, surgery is the only option left.

"While I'm devastated to be facing such a long lay off from cricket I'm determined to overcome this setback and make sure I get back bowling again next year and work my way back into England calculations.

"It's been a difficult period for me but I realise that I have to have this operation if I want to play cricket again. I want to thank the ECB medical team for all their ongoing hard work and support."