Gary Ballance out of reckoning for the Third Test match due to injury

Things continue to get worse for England number three batsman, Gary Ballance, who has to miss out of the upcoming Third Test match at Kennington Oval due to an injury to his left index finger which he broke while facing Morne Morkel in the second Test match at Trent Bridge. Mark Stoneman received a national call-up to replace Gary Ballance.

During the second innings, Gary Ballance appeared in severe discomfort after being struck on the hand. He received medical treatment on the field itself. Ballance was dismissed by Philander the very next ball. England seemed confident about the injury by terming it as just a severe bruising.

But X-ray reports suggested that Ballance sustained a broken finger and the damaged will be assessed soon even though it seems unlikely he will be fit to play at the Oval next week in the third Investec Test. Mark Stoneman is expected to open alongside Cook whereas Jennings would take up the number three position.

Bayliss looking to stick to players like Jennings

The last selection meeting we had before this series started, players like Stoneman and Westley were spoken about at length. Obviously, Hameed, who is a little out of form this year. So those types of guys, they are on the edge. Since Andrew Strauss, all of those guys have been picked because they’ve done well in county cricket. They probably started off well and then fell away a little. So that’s a concern, obviously.” commented the England coach Trevor Bayliss.

“One of the things we’ve tried to do since I’ve come in is try to give those guys a bit longer to show what they have got. It still hasn’t worked, to be honest. Keaton, for example, at the top of the order, if we’re consistent with our selections, should get some more goes.” concluded the 54-year-old.