Alex Hales ruled out of India tour due to injury

Kolkata : In a huge jolt to England in the ODI series, opener Alex Hales has been ruled out with a broken right hand. The visitors have lost the ODI series and will play for pride in Kolkata.

Hales suffered the injury while fielding in the second ODI at Cuttack. There is a doubt for his participation in England series next month.

Reserve opener Sam Billings is likely to step in for the third ODI.  Jonny Bairstow could be asked to stay on for the T20s.

The Test wicketkeeper was not due to be part of the short-form series but there is a now a vacancy.

Hales will meet a surgeon next week to assess whether an operation is necessary but is thought to be facing a lay-off of around five to six weeks.

Hales has been an important part of England’s batting from last few years in limited overs.