Jason Behrendorff’s bid to earn a dream Ashes call-up has taken a huge blow after the up-and-coming paceman was struck down by a stress fracture in his back.

Behrendorff, who was set to come into Ashes calculations after starring in all formats for Western Australia this season, will miss the rest of the summer after scans confirmed a fracture to the lower part of his right back.

WA don’t expect Behrendorff to resume bowling again until the next pre-season, meaning the 24-year-old is unlikely to be available for Test tours to the West Indies and England.

Behrendorff is the reigning domestic player of the year, and his injury is a big setback to WA’s Shield title hopes.

WA sit second on the table ahead of their upcoming clash with South Australia at the WACA Ground, starting Saturday.

In better news for WA, all-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile is set to return to first-class ranks against the Redbacks.

With Behrendorff ruled out of action, Andrew Tye is a chance to make his second Shield appearance after impressing during the Perth Scorchers’ title-winning T20 campaign.