England have been given another possible injury worry after opening batter Emilio Gay retired hurt while playing for Durham.
Gay appeared to suffer discomfort while batting against Middlesex in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at Chester-le-Street, clutching at his right shoulder after driving a four off Toby Roland-Jones.
The left-hander faced one more ball but was unable to continue his innings, retiring on nine not out after receiving initial treatment from the physio. He is due to have a scan over the weekend, having played no further part in the 50-over game.
Gay, who made his Test debut earlier in the summer, was primed to reprise his role as Ben Duckett’s partner at the top of the order in the three-Test series against Pakistan after being named in a 16-man squad on Thursday.
England are already without No 3 Jacob Bethell for those games, with Jordan Cox in line to deputise for the injured Warwickshire batter.
A recalled Ollie Pope is the batting cover within the squad, though there is no specialist opening back-up. Cox has previously performed the role for Kent and Essex, while Dan Lawrence – slated to bat at No 6 – opened for England against Sri Lanka in 2024.
Any possible absence for Gay would be a significant blow to a player who looked assured in his first taste of Test cricket, and is seeking to secure his place in the side under new coach Stephen Fleming.
