Plunkett joins walking wounded

England seam bowler Liam Plunkett will miss the second and third Tests against Pakistan after suffering a side strain for his county side Durham last week.

After a consultation with the England physio Kirk Russell, the injury was found to be serious enough and warrants Plunkett missing at least the next two weeks of cricket.

There is also concern on whether he will be fit for the fourth and final Test at the Oval, but the England camp are hopeful he will respond to treatment, and make a quick and strong return.

Sajid Mahmood and Jon Lewis are the likely players to be fighting it out for inclusion in the Test line-up with Plunkett’s unavailability.

The second Test starts on Thursday at Old Trafford in Manchester.