• Harry Brook is set to lead England for their one-day series with West Indies
  • One of England’s bowlers has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury 
  • England are optimistic the bowler will be fit to take on India next month 

By LAWRENCE BOOTH

Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the three-match one-day series against West Indies starting at Edgbaston on Thursday because of a right hamstring strain – but England insist he will be fit in time for next month’s Test series against India.

Atkinson bowled only three overs on the third and final day of the Trent Bridge Test against Zimbabwe, when he at times looked in discomfort. 

No replacement has been added to England’s 15-man squad which will be led by new permanent white-ball captain Harry Brook, with the seam-bowling duties now in the hands of Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts and Luke Wood.

His absence from the West Indies ODIs should at least ensure he is fresh for the first Test against India at Headingley, starting on June 20, when England will be keeping an eye on his pace.

Atkinson admitted before the start of the domestic season that he was conscious he needed to keep his speeds up, having touched 90mph in his debut Test series, against West Indies last summer, but not since. 

Against Zimbabwe, he averaged 83.76mph – the second-quickest figure of the nine Tests he has played since that first series, but still short of the 85.89 he produced on debut at Lord’s.

Gus Atkinson (third right) has been ruled out of England's one-day series against West Indies

Gus Atkinson (third right) has been ruled out of England’s one-day series against West Indies

Atkinson's absence is a blow for England's new white-ball captain Harry Brook (pictured)

Atkinson’s absence is a blow for England’s new white-ball captain Harry Brook (pictured)

An ECB statement said: ‘He will now undergo a period of rehabilitation under the supervision of the England medical team.’

After Thursday’s opener in Birmingham, the series moves to Cardiff and The Oval, before three T20s in Chester-le-Street, Bristol and Southampton.

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New England white-ball captain Harry Brook dealt big blow as star bowler is ruled out of one-day series with West Indies

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