Rory Burns has been ruled out for the rest of England’s Test series in South Africa after sustaining ligament damage to his left ankle.
England’s opening batsman limped out of the team’s football warm-up on the eve of the second Test match at Cape Town.
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He was seen landing awkwardly after taking aim at goal and received initial treatment on the field before being assisted to the dressing room for assessment.
And England’s worst fears have been realised following a scan on the ankle which has ruled him out for the second, third and fourth Tests in the series.
The ECB said in a statement: “England opening batsman Rory Burns has sustained ligament damage on his left ankle.
“He has been ruled out for the remainder of the South Africa Test series and will return home for further assessment and treatment at the earliest convenience.
“England will confirm their team to face South Africa in the second Test at the toss tomorrow morning at Newlands.”
It sums up a nightmare tour for England so far, with the squad being plagued by injury and illness.
England are also sweating on the fitness of fast bowler Jofra Archer, who missed training on Thursday as he’s nursing an elbow injury which looks set to rule him out of the second Test.
Captain Joe Root said in his pre-match press conference: “It’s been one of those tours I’m afraid.
“It’s been frustrating throughout, but these things happen in sport. You’ve got to manage them as best we can, and we are trying to make sure that if anyone does pick up illness or injury then they are fit and ready to go as soon as possible.”
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He went on to confirm Mark Wood remained unavailable with the side strain he arrived on tour with and that Jack Leach had not bowled enough following his brush with illness to be considered.
Root was able to expand on Archer’s situation, suggesting England would err towards caution with their prized asset rather than risking causing more serious damage.
He added: “It is obviously quite disappointing to see him [Archer] pull up like that.
“I think it’s a recurring injury, something that he has had before. He did pull up very sore. That is something you want to manage in a young talent like Jofra, making sure that we don’t blow him out for six months and make sure we get the most out of him for as long as we can.
“You look at his short career and he has had big impacts on a lot of moments in big Test matches. It’s important to weigh everything up, see what the scan says, and play it by ear. Of course he will be a big loss if he is not able to play but it will also be an opportunity for someone else.”
England are 1-0 down in the series having suffered a 107-run defeat in the first Test at Centurion.
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