England opener Emilio Gay is facing a race against time to be fit for the opening Test against Pakistan after suffering a shoulder injury.
The 26-year-old hurt his right shoulder while playing for Durham against Middlesex in the One-Day Cup last week.
Gay first experienced discomfort in the sixth over before aggravating the injury at the start of the seventh while playing a straight drive off Toby Roland-Jones.
He was assessed by a medical team, prompting him to leave the field after scoring nine off 17 deliveries.
A scan on Saturday confirmed the injury, and Gay will now work with England’s medical staff at Beckenham. Initially, he was expected to take part in the four-day warm-up match against Pakistan at the venue, which starts on Wednesday.
However, the injury has cast doubt on his participation.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
The setback adds to England’s injury concerns, with top-order batter Jacob Bethell already ruled out of the three-Test series.
England are yet to call up a replacement for Gay, with Ollie Pope the most likely option from the existing 16-member squad. Pope is part of the 16-man group as a reserve batter and wicketkeeper.
Dan Lawrence has previously opened in Tests, while Jordan Cox has experience of opening in first-class cricket.
Potential replacements from outside the squad include Surrey’s Dom Sibley, along with uncapped players Ben McKinney and Asa Tribe.
The first Test between Pakistan and England will begin on 19 August at Headingley.
England squad for first two Tests against Pakistan:
Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue
READ: Pakistan hold first training session ahead of England Tests