LONDON: Top-order batsman Jacob Bethel is doubtful for England’s first Test in the three-match home series against New Zealand at Lord’s from June 4-8 after suffering a left ring finger injury.
Bethel, who has represented England in six Tests, 21 ODIs and 31 T20Is, suffered the injury while fielding for defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the last over of their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday.
The 22-year-old missed RCB’s last league-level game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, during which he was spotted in the dugout with a bandage on his left arm.
Meanwhile, according to the latest development, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed an agreement with the IPL franchise for the top-order to return to England (UK) where he will be fully assessed and monitored by its medical team.
The ECB further shared that Jacob Bethel’s availability to open the Test series against New Zealand will be decided after a thorough medical evaluation.
“The England and Wales Cricket Board (England and Wales Cricket Board) has agreed that top-order batsman Jacob Bethel will return to England after sustaining an injury to his left ring finger while playing (Royal Challengers Bangalore) in the Indian Premier League,” the ECB said in a statement.
“He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England men’s medical team upon his return for selection for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s (…) starting on Thursday, June 4,” it added.