Zak Crawley to miss England's tour of Pakistan? Selectors considering replacement after latest injury concern

In a shocking development, England opening batter Zak Crawley is likely to miss the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to a finger injury. Zak Crawley is also likely to be unavailable for England's subsequent red-ball tour to Pakistan, which is scheduled to be played in October this year.

Zak Crawley injured his finger while fielding at slips during the third and final Test match against the West Indies at Edgbaston. He was sent to the hospital, and an X-ray revealed a fracture. The full extent of the injury is yet to be determined, and the medical team will decide whether surgery will be necessary.

Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett opened the innings in the absence of Crawley. Stokes and Duckett chased down an 82-run target in just 7.2 overs. Stokes scored 57 runs off just 28 deliveries, including nine boundaries and two maximums. The home team won the match by 10 wickets and completed a 3-0 series sweep.

Zak Crawley To Miss Three Match Test Series In Pakistan?

Zak Crawley was ruled out of The Hundred Men's Competition 2024, where he was set to play for the London Spirit. Left-handed batter Keaton Jennings was named as his replacement by the Spirit. Crawley is now likely to miss the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting on August 21.

As the Test series against Sri Lanka approaches, the England team management is concerned about Crawley’s availability. The 26-year-old batter's recovery could delay his return if surgery is required. England needs to find a replacement to open the batting with Ben Duckett in Test cricket if Crawley misses out.

Dan Lawrence has been in top form since moving from Essex to Surrey. Lawrence boasts a 53.09 average this season, including a 175-run knock against Worcestershire. He took 15 wickets at an average of 36.66. He could be a valuable asset for England in the upcoming Test series in Pakistan starting on October 7.

Zak Crawley Struggled To Score Runs Against West Indies

Zak Crawley had an impressive start to the home season, scoring 76 runs off 89 balls in the first innings of the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's in London. The right-handed batter didn’t get another chance to bat in the second innings. England won the match by a margin of an innings and 114 runs.

The opening batter got out for a duck in the first innings at Trent Bridge, followed by three runs in the second. He scored 18 runs off 13 balls in the third Test but didn’t bat again due to injury. The young England cricketer ended the series with 97 runs in four innings at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 88.99.

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