England vs South Africa: Gary Ballance doubtful for 3rd Test after suspected broken finger

England batsman Gary Ballance is set to miss next week’s third Test after suffering a suspected broken finger during his side’s thrashing by South Africa at Trent Bridge. The under-fire Ballance, who has struggled since his recall, was struck on the left index finger by Morne Morkel on Monday as England collapsed to 133 all out in a 340-run mauling in the second Test. The England and Wales Cricket Board said Ballance will see a hand surgeon later on Tuesday to determine the extent of the damage. England coach Trevor Bayliss was highly critical of his team’s performance in Nottingham, describing it as a “shocker” as the top order, including Ballance at number three, again came under scrutiny.

Bayliss confirmed, however, that opener Keaton Jennings is likely to retain his place despite notching only three runs in two innings against the Proteas at Trent Bridge. “One of the things we’ve tried to do since I’ve come in is try to give those guys a bit longer to show what they have got. It still hasn’t worked, to be honest. Keaton, for example, at the top of the order … if we’re consistent with our selections, he should get some more goes,” said Bayliss.

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Should Ballance miss out, Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley and Haseeb Hameed could force their way in when England name their third Test squad later this week.

“The last selection meeting we had before this series started, players like Stoneman and Westley were spoken about at length. Obviously, (so was) Hameed – who is a little out of form this year. So those types of guys, they are on the edge”, added Bayliss.

England’s quest for an opening batsman to partner Alastair Cook has been well documented; the former skipper has had 11 partners at the start of an innings in 5 years since the retirement of Andrew Strauss.

England, who have lost six of their last eight Test matches, are level at 1-1 in the best-of-four series against South Africa ahead of next week’s clash at The Oval.