England spinner Shoaib Bashir suffered an injury blow and was forced to leave the field during the third Test against India at Lord’s.
The incident occurred on Day 3, in the 78th over of India’s first innings, when Ravindra Jadeja drilled the ball back towards Bashir, who was struck on his fingers in an attempt to grab the ball.
The 21-year-old was in visible discomfort after being struck, prompting his immediate exit from the field. On the morning of the fourth day, England clarified that Bashir is expected to bowl in the fourth innings, while a decision was yet to be taken regarding his availability as a batter.
“Following his left little finger injury, Shoaib Bashir continues to be monitored and is expected to bowl in the fourth innings of this Test. A decision on whether he will bat in the third innings will be made in due course. His involvement in the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford will be assessed at the end of the match,” the ECB statement read.