An already weakened England batting order has been dealt with another blow as top-order batsman Zak Crawley has injured his right wrist ahead of the first Test match of the Indian tour.
Crawley has been reported to have slipped outside the dressing room in Chennai. During the incident, he hurt his wrist and has been officially ruled out of the first two Test matches that begin on February 5 and 13.
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England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Crawley jarred his right wrist and sprained the joint. It has then led to local inflammation thus making it tough for the youngster to recover in time. After a few scans, he has been ruled out of the first two Tests.
ECB said in an official statement, "Following the results of last night’s scan, England top-order batsman Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the first two Tests of the India versus England series. Scan results have confirmed that Crawley has jarred his right wrist, which has sprained the joint and led to local inflammation."
"The Kent player sustained the injury during England’s practice in Chennai on Tuesday when he slipped on the marble floor leaving the dressing rooms onto the field of play. The England medical team will continue to assess his progress over the next few weeks," the statement added.
Fortunately for England, another top-order batsman, Ollie Pope, who was under treatment for a shoulder injury that he suffered in August 2020, has recovered fully just in time. Pope had come to India and had practiced with the England team for a couple of days in Chennai before being added to the Test squad.
"The England medical team are satisfied that he is available for selection. The 23-year-old has practised with the full squad over the past two days. England will have their final practice at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai tomorrow ahead of the first Test starting on Friday," an earlier ECB statement mentioned.
The first two Test matches in this all-format bilateral series between India and England will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai starting from February 5.
(With inputs from ANI and ECB)
