Stuart Broad ’s summer could be over after he strained his right calf during England training.
Broad left the ground with his right leg heavily strapped up and is heading for a scan to determine the extent of the damage with England fans fearing the worst.
A full blown tear and Broad’s work in this series is done and dusted, but even a more minor injury might be enough to bring his participation to a premature conclusion.
Four more Test matches over the next five weeks is not a schedule for the faint-hearted and at 35, the calf is not the part of a fast bowler’s body that heals overnight.
The news will put fast bowler Mark Wood on red alert for a recall to the side after missing out at Trent Bridge, although Craig Overton is also in the squad.
Even though Broad didn’t have his most rewarding game on his home ground in Nottingham, taking just the one wicket and leaking runs, he would have hoped for better fortunes at Lord’s where he is just five wickets away from becoming the second man behind James Anderson to take 100 at HQ.
That will have to wait now with England hoping the return of Moeen Ali to the side as a late addition to the squad will help their fortunes.
Moeen has been lighting up The Hundred for the Birmingham Phoenix, but his worth as a Test class all-rounder will allow England to balance their side more effectively in the absence of Ben Stokes.
“That’s why he’s been called up to the squad,” said skipper Joe Root. “For his capability with both bat and ball.
“He’s in great form at the minute, playing with great confidence, and we all know what he’s capable of in the Test arena.
“He’s scored big hundreds and won the games with the ball as well and he’s a fine cricketer.”
Batsman Haseeb Hameed could also be given a second chance at Test cricket, with the 24-year-old in contention to make his first appearance for England in over four years.
Hameed made his Test debut back in 2016 against India and impressed, scoring 82 at Rajkot and 59 not out at Mohali while batting with a broken hand.
The injury cut short his burgeoning Test career and a major slump in form followed, with Hameed getting released by Lancashire in 2019.
The opener now plies his trade at Nottinghamshire and has managed to get back to his best, scoring 642 runs at an average of 45.85 in the County Championship this year.
Hameed also hit a ton against India in a warm-up match for a County Select XI last month and he could replace Zak Crawley in England's top order.
Root has been impressed by Hameed's resurgence at Nottinghamshire and believes he is well-prepared for a second chance in the Test arena.
“It takes a huge strength of character to be able to go through something like that and get yourself back into the position that he is in right now,” Root said.
“His work ethic is outstanding. He thinks well about the game and he’s added shots to what is a very strong defence and has turned himself into a brilliant player.
“If he gets an opportunity I’m sure he’ll look to take it with both hands and try to make the position his own in this team.”
