England’s batting crisis mounts as Sam Billings dislocates shoulder

The ECB have confirmed Sam Billings is to miss England’s ODI against Ireland and the T20 against Pakistan with a dislocated shoulder, putting in doubt his availability for the World Cup.

Surrey wicket-keeper Ben Foakes has been drafted in to replace him in the squad, as England’s injury tally mounts with Jason Roy and Eoin Morgan dealing with issues.

Kent captain Billings sustained the injury diving in the field during the Royal London One-Day Cup match against Glamorgan on Thursday.

Oxygen was administered on the field to a wincing Billings, who was taken to hospital where he shoulder was reset.

In a statement, Kent confirmed: “He is scheduled to see a specialist [on Friday], where he will undergo scans.”

The ECB and Kent will await the results of the scans to determine
the severity of the injury which could hardly have come at a worse time for
England who are riddled with injuries to key players.

Surrey’s Jason Roy has missed the One-Day Cup match due to
back spasms, whilst Sam Curran is unable to play due to a calf complaint.

Fellow Kent batsman Joe Denly has injured his back against Gloucestershire on Tuesday whilst captain Eoin Morgan is sidelined with sore shins.

England travel to Dublin next Wednesday and play Ireland in a one-off ODI at Malahide next Friday.

JOTI KAUR / Photo: Getty Images