The Story:
England suffered a significant setback to their preparation of the upcoming home series against South Africa, as fast bowler Jake Ball suffered a knee injury during second innings of his county Nottinghamshire against Kent.
The seamer experienced pain in his knee during his follow through after bowling the first ball of his third over at Trent Bridge. Scans revealed that recovery will keep him out of action for two weeks.
He was in contention of a place in the bowling attack against South Africa in the first Test, as England struggle to manage their fast bowlers. However, he will now miss the upcoming opportunity.
Out of the first Test against South Africa
The slightly longer recovery period also means that he will be missing from Nottinghamshire’s clash with Surrey at Lord’s in the Royal London One-Day Cup at London on Saturday (July 1).
But, Ball will be more upset, as the injury won’t allow him to place his contendership for the upcoming first Test between England and South Africa which is set to start on July 6th at Lord’s.
“Jake is naturally very, very disappointed to miss out on the final, having previously been made available to play by the ECB, particularly after missing out on selection when Notts beat Glamorgan at Lord’s in 2013,” Nottinghamshire Head Coach, Peter Moores said.
“Jake is a very strong character and I’m sure he’ll bounce back from this. I know he’ll be wanting us to beat Surrey as much as anybody,” he added.
Injury Concern
The fast bowler now joins the list of injured stars – Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes. Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes are also on their road to recovery, as they are fighting hard to gain full fitness. At the best, it will safe to call them as doubtful starters.
‘Senior guy’ Broad will bowl in the nets at Lord’s again on Thursday to test his heels. If fit, he will feature in the Royal London Cup final for his County side and if he fails, he might be missing the opening game also. Middlesex seamer Toby Roland-Jones can fancy a chance for a call-up as cover.
Chis Woakes, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy after the opening encounter against New Zealand, is also trying to get back in shape but is expected to miss out of the first two Tests for sure.
Also Read: (Injury rules Chris Woakes out of first two Tests)
(Star bowler Stuart Broad doubtful for Lord’s Test)
All-rounder Ben Stokes, a vital cog, is also nursing a knee injury which limited his participation in the Champions Trophy 2017. Fortunately, James Anderson, England’s strike bowler, has made a fresh return from the groin injury. He has, so far, played in two games for Lancashire since his return.