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Jacob Bethell has emerged as a major injury worry for England after pulling out of The Hundred with a knee issue.
Bethell had been due to captain the Birmingham Phoenix in the competition, but has undergone an MRI on an injury sustained during the ODI series against India.
He awaits further assessment to determine the severity of the problem with under a month until England’s Test team is back in action against Pakistan in a three-match series that commences on 19 August.
The No 3’s possible absence from that series would provide another major headache for the ECB. England remain on the hunt for a new captain and head coach after the retirement of Ben Stokes and axing of Brendon McCullum.
Bethell impressed with a well-made 91 at Lord’s in the third ODI on Sunday, and made his highest Test score on home soil (74) in his last red-ball outing at Trent Bridge against New Zealand.
The Hundred would also have provided valuable leadership experience for England’s youngest ever captain. Bethell led the side in a T20 series in Ireland last year and could emerge as an option to take the role on more regularly if white-ball skipper Harry Brook is elevated to the Test captaincy.
“It’s frustrating to miss out on The Hundred, especially representing Birmingham Phoenix in front of our supporters at Edgbaston,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I need to take the time to get back to full fitness.
“My focus now is on completing my rehabilitation and returning fully fit. I’d like to thank the fans, my teammates and the medical staff for all their support, and I’ll be cheering the boys on throughout the competition.”
Donovan Ferreira, the multi-talented South Africa all-rounder, will replace Bethell as captain of the Phoenix. Shane Bond’s side begin their Hundred campaign against the Trent Rockets on Friday.