England wicket-keeper Ben Foakes ruled out of Test series against New Zealand

England wicket-keeper, Ben Foakes, has been ruled out of the forthcoming two-match Test series against England. The wicket-keeper suffered from a hamstring injury and will effectively miss the home series against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand team.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced in a press release that Ben Foakes has suffered from a small tear in his left hamstring and will be out of action for atleast three weeks.

The wicket-keeper sustained after slipping in the dressing room during Surrey’s game against Middlesex played at The Oval in London. With Ben Foakes ruled out of Test series against New Zealand, it is certain that uncapped James Bracey will make his debut for England at Lords.

The medical staff at Surrey will assess Foakes condition as he will go through rehabilitation process to get fit for the T20 Blast competition.

After doing exceedingly during England’s winter tours of Sri Lanka and India, Ben Foakes was expected to play first Test match at home. He has represented England in eight Test matches, in which he has made quite an impression with the bat. His wicket-keeping in India was impressive to say the least.

Uncapped wicket-keeper Sam Billings has been named as a replacement for Ben Foakes in England’s Test squad for the home series against New Zealand. James Bracey will be looking to make most of the opportunity as he will make his Test debut for England at Lords Cricket Ground.

Opener Haseeb Hameed has made a comeback to England’s Test squad after almost five years. His last appearance for England came in November 2016 in India. In this year’s English County Championship, Hameed has shown exceptional form with the bat and accumulated 474 runs at an average of 52.66.

He is set to join England squad after completing his game for Nottinghamshire against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.