CHESTER-LE-STREET: England have suffered an injury scare ahead of their three-match Test series against Pakistan after opener Emilio Gay was forced to retire hurt while playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup.
The 26-year-old left-hander experienced discomfort in his right shoulder during Durham’s match against Middlesex on Friday.
Gay initially felt pain in the sixth over before appearing to aggravate the problem while playing a straight drive off Toby Roland-Jones at the start of the seventh over.
Durham’s medical staff assessed Gay on the field before he left the ground after scoring nine runs from 17 deliveries.
The county side has yet to provide an update on the severity of the injury. England could be forced to consider cover if Gay is ruled out for an extended period.
Pakistan series approaching
The injury came just a day after the England and Wales Cricket Board named Gay in a 16-member squad for the opening two Tests against Pakistan.
Gay was selected as England’s first-choice opener alongside Ben Duckett after retaining his place following his debut series against New Zealand in June. He scored 139 runs across six innings, including two half-centuries.
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The Pakistan series will also mark Joe Root’s first assignment since beginning his second stint as England Test captain.
Pakistan and England will begin the three-match series at Headingley on August 19, with the opening Test running until August 23.
The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27 to 31, before the teams travel to Edgbaston for the final match from September 9 to 13.
England will be hoping Gay’s shoulder problem does not disrupt their preparations as they prepare to host Pakistan in the highly anticipated Test series.
