Sam Curran, the England all-rounder, has been ruled out of competitive cricket for the rest of the summer following a groin injury. The injury necessitates surgery, which is scheduled for this Friday, and will prevent him from participating in the upcoming third Test match against Pakistan at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9.

Curran had been under consideration by England’s selection panel as they look to build depth in the squad, particularly in the context of managing the team’s transition following the tenure of Ben Stokes. Marcus North, the men’s national selector, had previously acknowledged Curran as a player of significant value to the team. However, Curran was omitted from the 16-man squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan earlier this month, as selectors determined he was not yet fully match-fit. With this latest setback, his immediate path to a Test comeback has been delayed until he can recover from his operation and subsequent rehabilitation.