Zafar Ansari dislocates thumb right after England call for Tests vs Pakistan

Zafar Ansari, the 23-year-old Surrey batsman, who was named in the England Test squad to take on Pakistan in United Arab Emirates (UAE), has suffered an injury on the day of his maiden national call-up. Ansari dislocated his right thumb during a game against Lancashire at Old Trafford and was sent to hospital. The Surrey officials confirmed the extent of Ansari’s injury. Their director of cricket, Alec Stewart admitted  at the close of day’s play that the injury, “it didn’t look good.” According to some media reports, the club officials are fearing the worst. READ: England announce squads for tour of UAE vs Pakistan

Ansari was fielding at cover point on Tuesday when this unfortunate incident happened. He was tying to take a difficult catch off Lancashire’s Ashwell Prince. He misjudged it and immediately gestured for assistance from the dressing room. The ball hit his left thumb and he had to leave the field holding a bandage to his left hand. “It didn’t look good. He’s gone off to hospital to see a hand specialist. It’s his left thumb and he was in quite a bit of pain,” Stewart said, as reported by ESPNCricinfo. READ: Alex Hales, Zafar Ansari find place in England Test squad to take on Pakistan

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“Fingers crossed for him but seeing him in the dressing room it’s certainly a concern. Obviously with the announcement this morning he was in a great place. He’s earned that right, and he offers England something they haven’t got. If he gets in that environment I think England will be very impressed with him. Let’s not speculate now. Hopefully we’ll get some news sooner rather than later,” the former England wicketkeeper further added.

Ansari was one of three uncapped cricketers who were included in the 16-man squad for England for the three-Test series against Pakistan, which starts October 13. Alex Hales and Adil Rashid were the other two. Surrey added that Ansari’s injury would be “reviewed over the next couple of days”. England depart for the UAE on September 30.