England catch a break as scans reveal David Willey escaped a fracture and can play in one-day series against Pakistan
England have received a boost on the eve of the one-day international series against Pakistan after all-rounder David Willey’s injury was found to be not as bad as first feared.
Willey sparked concerns he could miss the five-match series, which begins with a day-night clash in Southampton on Wednesday, when he hurt a hand playing for Yorkshire in T20 Finals Day on Saturday.
But scans showed the 26-year-old escaped a fracture and, after sitting out the opening contest, he is expected to be available for Saturday’s second match at Lord’s.
Read more: Chris Tremlett column – Test hopefuls must take their chance in limited-overs clashes
Northamptonshire’s Jake Ball, who was drafted into the squad as injury cover on Sunday, is to remain with the England squad.
England Test star Stuart Broad is set to have a scan on an ankle injury after being ruled out of Nottinghamshire’s County Championship fixture against Yorkshire on Tuesday.
Test captain Alastair Cook will be in action for Essex against Leicestershire, however, after he returned to his county to help the Division Two leaders in their push for the title.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have been confirmed as the world’s No1 Test team for the first time since rankings began in 2003 following their 2-2 series draw with England earlier this summer.