England suffers yet another injury blow, Jake Ball sprains his ankle

By the looks of it, all the planets and stars are down for the English cricket team. In two weeks’ time, they will take on one of the most dangerous teams in world cricket, Australia. That too, in their home ground. After losing out all-rounder Ben Stokes and front-line speedster Steven Finn, they have found themselves another headache to deal with, in the form of Jake Ball.

Though the 26-year-old from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire has played just 3 Test matches for the Three Lions, he was poised to be one of the go-to bowlers for skipper Joe Root. But unfortunately, Ball has injured himself before bowling a single ball in the much-awaited tournament.

As it happened

The visitors were playing a pink ball match against Cricket Australia XI at the Adelaide Oval, as a warm-up game before the main series commences. Ball was bowling his fourth over in the game when he lost his footing and as a result collapsed on the pitch.

An agonizing scene followed as he grasped his head with his hands in despair. The medical staff was quick to attend the bowler who was in great pain. He received medical assistance in the field, and thankfully for Root, was able to walk off the field by himself. However, he was still limping and his face revealed he was in anguish.

As per the latest tweet from ECB, it is understood that the tall pacer will not be able to take part any further in the ongoing practice match. As far as the Ashes is concerned, which starts from November 23, Ball will be assessed today and overnight before a final decision is taken. Having lost two of their main players, another loss will mean Australia go into the tournament with a huge advantage.

.@JakeBall has a sprained right ankle. He won't play any further part today and will be assessed today and overnight.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/1CzOrmEoYt

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 9, 2017