George Garton to join England Ashes squad in Australia

England face another injury scare as fast bowler Jake Ball has sustained an injury and that will keep him out of the next tour game ahead of the Ashes opener. England and Wales Cricket Broad (ECB) announced George Garton, a left-arm pacer, as Ball’s cover. The latter twisted his ankle during the warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI.

The fast bowler was bowling his fourth over during the match when he collapsed on the crease after releasing the ball. Scans have confirmed ligament damage and Ball has been sidelined for at least a week. Meanwhile, Garton who represents Sussex in County cricket picked up 23 wickets at an average of 36.47 in first-class cricket. The England Lions pacer will join the Brits as a backup option for the second warm-up match.

Garton as cover

“The England medical team will assess the injury over the next seven days and he will play no further part in the Adelaide match,” a statement from the visiting side said. “National selectors have called up England Lions and Sussex left-arm seamer George Garton as cover in Townsville for the final warm-up match.”

Ball is not the first man to pick up an injury. Earlier fast bowler Steve Finn has been ruled out from the series and he was sent home. He was replaced by young limited over bowler Tom Curran. Finn suffered a left knee injury while key all-rounder Moeen Ali has been sidelined for first two Tests due to a side strain.

Meanwhile, before England landed in Australia, they had to let go their all-rounder and vice-captain Ben Stokes, who allegedly involved in a street brawl where he injured a man on September 25, at Bristol. Now, Stokes is facing investigation and as a result, he was suspended by the ECB.

Due to Stokes’ unavailability, many even questioned England’s chance of retaining the Ashes, they won at home last time.