Jacob Bethell, England's top-order batter, is a doubt for the first Test against New Zealand after injuring his finger while playing in the Indian Premier League. The 22-year-old will return to the UK for a full medical assessment.
Injury during IPL match
Bethell was absent from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side that lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirmed that Bethell had damaged his finger, but the franchise did not disclose further details about the severity of the injury.
England's concern ahead of Test series
The injury comes less than two weeks before England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on June 4 at Lord's. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement on Saturday confirming that Bethell would undergo further checks upon his return.
The ECB statement read: 'The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while playing in the Indian Premier League. He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England Men's medical team on his return to determine his availability for selection for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.'
Potential replacement
Bethell had been expected to bat at number three for England after scoring a century in the final Ashes Test in Sydney in January. However, his participation in the IPL playoffs meant he was already set to miss next week's training camp in Loughborough. If Bethell is ruled out, Somerset's James Rew, who is in the squad as batting and wicketkeeping cover, could make his Test debut.
Jofra Archer is also unavailable for the Lord's Test due to his stint with Rajasthan Royals, as he will return to England too late for selection. He is instead targeting the second Test at The Oval.
