England's top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK to be fully assessed on the finger injury he sustained while playing in the Indian Premier League. Bethell was absent from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side that lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, with captain Rajat Patidar confirming the 22-year-old had damaged his finger.
RCB did not provide further details on the severity of the injury, but Bethell's omission raises concerns less than two weeks before England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand, which begins on 4 June at Lord's. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Saturday afternoon that Bethell would undergo further checks upon his return home.
A statement from the ECB read: The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Challengers Bangalore that top-order batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK after sustaining a left ring finger injury while playing in the Indian Premier League. He will be fully assessed and monitored by the England Men's medical team on his return to determine his availability for selection for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.
Bethell is expected to bat at number three, having scored a superb century in Sydney during the final Ashes Test in January. However, RCB's involvement in the IPL playoffs means he was already scheduled to miss next week's training camp in Loughborough. If Bethell is not fit to face New Zealand, Somerset's James Rew could make his debut, having been included in the squad as batting and wicketkeeping cover.
Jofra Archer is also missing the Lord's Test due to his stint with Rajasthan Royals, as he will return to England too late to be considered and is instead targeting the second Test at The Oval.
