England have suffered a massive blow right ahead of their white-ball series against West Indies. England's fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against West Indies, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed. He is the second English pacer, following Jofra Archer, to miss the three-match series, which is scheduled to begin on May 29 in Birmingham.
Gus Atkinson ruled out of England vs West Indies ODI series
Atkinson suffered a hamstring strain earlier this month during England's one-off Test victory over Zimbabwe. Consequently, he will miss the ODIs and will instead commence a rehabilitation program under the guidance of the England medical team.
"He will now undergo a period of rehabilitation under the supervision of the England medical team. No replacement will be added to the ODI squad." the ECB said in a statement.
Although the England board has not yet given any update on his return date, reports in the English media indicate that Gus Atkinson is expected to be fit for the five-Test series against India, which is scheduled to begin on June 20. However, Atkinson will not participate in the Twenty20 International (T20I) series that follows the One-Day International (ODI) matches.
England is set to host the West Indies between May 29 and June 10. Right after the ODI series, both the teams will play a three-match T20I series starting from June 6. The fast-bowling group for the ODI series includes Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, and Luke Wood.
Jofra Archer was also initially named in the ODI squad for the series but was later ruled out due to a thumb injury he sustained during his stint with Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. Archer's condition will also be closely monitored, and he is likely to be available for the Test series against India.
England's squad for ODI series against West Indies
Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith.
England's squad for T20I series against West Indies
Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.