Somerset seamer Craig Overton has returned home from the Lions tour of the UAE after scans revealed he has sustained an injury to his lower back.
Overton, 24, made his Test debut on last year’s Ashes tour and was one of four Somerset players in the England Lions squad, alongside his brother Jamie, Lewis Gregory and Dom Bess.
The England Lions medical team said: “Craig developed low back pain whilst bowling in training and scans subsequently revealed that he has sustained a disc injury.
“In collaboration with Somerset, the decision has been made for Craig to return to the UK for rehabilitation.”
Overton will not be replaced in the Lions squad, who get their tour underway with a four-day match against Pakistan A on November 18.
November 18-21: Four-day match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi
November 25: First 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai
November 27: Second 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai
November 29: Third 50-over match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi
December 2: Fourth 50-over match v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi
December 5: Fifth 50-over match v Pakistan A, Dubai
December 7: First T20 v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi
December 8: Second T20 v Pakistan A, Abu Dhabi