England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes has been ruled out of the two-Test series against New Zealand with a torn hamstring due to a freak accident.

England is all set to lock horns against New Zealand in the two-Test series starting 2nd June. With less than one week remaining for the start of the first Test, Joe Root-led side has suffered a blow as wicket-keeper batsman Ben Foakes has been ruled out of the series. 

It is learned that Ben Foakes tore his left hamstring as he slipped in the Surrey dressing room on Sunday (23rd May) and is expected to be out of action for three months which puts his availability for the five-Test series with India in August in doubt as well.

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England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) official statement informed that head coach Chris Silverwood has called Sam Billings and Haseeb Hammed as his replacement.

"Foakes sustained the injury on Sunday slipping in the dressing room after Surrey's County Championship fixture against Middlesex at the Kia Oval. He will now be assessed and work closely on his rehabilitation with the Surrey medical team and is expected to be out of action for at least three months.

“England Men's Head Coach Chris Silverwood has called up Kent's wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings and Nottinghamshire's top-order batsman Haseeb Hameed,”  ECB said in a statement. 

Haseeb Hameed has been rewarded for his brilliant run for Nottinghamshire in the ongoing County Championship. He has scored 474 runs at an average of 52.66. 

While Sam Billings, an established member of England's white-ball squads, is yet to make his Test debut. 

(AFP inputs)