A back injury has ruled Hampshire fast bowling talent Tom Barber out of England’s tri-nations Under-19 tournament against Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.

The Christchurch-based left-arm bowling prospect suffered a low back injury during a squad training session at Loughborough and misses today’s flight for the Emirates.

“I’m obviously very disappointed, but there’s no point in beating myself up about it. I’ve just got to get on with it. It’s probably all part of a growth spurt which has weakened my bones,” said Barber, who is over six feet tall.

Barber was injured a fortnight ago and faces a rest period before resuming training.

“I’m keeping up with my general mobility work and body weight lunges and squats, but, other than that, the main thing is to just let it settle down, then start a program of running, cycling and gradually progressing into bowling again.

“It was pretty disappointing when I was told, obviously missing a fantastic opportunity to play cricket in the UAE, but I'm trying to think positively because it is just unlucky timing really and to get myself fit for the World Cup in February is my priority,” he continued.

Like Hampshire Academy team-mate Lewis McManus, Barber recently signed a two-year contract at the Ageas Bowl. McManus, alongside Bashley (Rydal) all-rounder Ryan Higgins, is on today’s Virgin Atlantic flight to the Emirates.

For McManus it is a great opportunity to stake a claim for the wicket-keeper’s berth.

Northamptonshire’s Ben Duckett, due to lead the England Under-19 team in next week’s tournament, failed to make the level of fitness required and misses out. That gives McManus a great chance to make himself first choice for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in February 2014.

England play three rounds of 50-over games against Pakistan and the UAE in the coming weeks and return home just before Christmas.