Jake Ball's injury leaves England and Nottinghamshire jittery

England and county team, Nottinghamshire were both left in a spot of bother when their key bowler, Jake Ball sustained a knee injury on the field. The injury came in the final session of the match between Kent and Nottinghamshire. This comes at a point when England is already reeling from the absence of bowling spearhead, Stuart Broad, who had previously endured a heel injury against Leicestershire last week..

With Broad’s fitness already being doubtful for the finals of the Royal London One-Day Cup final to be played on Saturday at Lord’s, Ball’s injury comes as another severe blow. Also, England will be monitoring the proceedings closely. This is because the national selectors are all set to meet to select the squad for the first Test against South Africa at Lord’s next week.

Jake Ball’s injury

After having bowled one delivery of his third over, Ball pulled up in his follow-through with evident discomfort. He looked fit enough to continue after receiving medical attention on the field.

However, it didn’t turn out in favour of the bowler after he tried a couple of times to replicate his run-up to the crease, under the supervision of the county physio. Subsequently, Ball asked the on-field umpire for his cap and sweater and left the field. Luke Fletcher was entrusted with the responsibility to complete his over.

Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores termed Ball’s withdrawal as “a precaution”. He added that the prospects of him resuming in this match would be assessed in the morning.

Ball’s on-field exploits against Kent

With the bat, Ball contributed to Nottinghamshire’s initial lead of 191 runs in the first innings, by playing some top-notch shots. After bowling brilliantly in the first innings, with meagre of only one tailender’s wicket to show for his efforts, Ball found success in his second over in the second innings, dismissing Daniel Bell-Drummond on a full and fast delivery. This came as an unwanted blow for Kent as they began their second innings against the pink ball in the awkward day-to-night phase.