Young opener retires hurt during One-Day Cup match, leaving England monitoring his fitness ahead of the three-Test home series against Pakistan.

England have been handed an early injury concern ahead of their highly anticipated three-match Test series against Pakistan after promising opener Emilio Gay was forced to retire hurt during a domestic One-Day Cup fixture for Durham against Middlesex.

The 26-year-old left-handed batter appeared uncomfortable early in Durham’s innings after experiencing pain in his right shoulder.

The issue first surfaced in the sixth over before worsening in the following over when Gay attempted a straight drive against Middlesex seamer Toby Roland-Jones. The impact left him unable to continue, prompting the Durham medical staff to enter the field and escort him off after a brief assessment.

Gay’s innings came to an abrupt end with nine runs from 17 deliveries, and Durham have yet to issue an official update regarding the extent of his injury. The lack of clarity has sparked concern for England, who may need to consider backup options if the opener is ruled out of the opening Test.

The injury comes just one day after the England and Wales Cricket Board announced its 16-player squad for the first two matches of the home Test series against Pakistan.

Gay had been selected as England’s preferred opening partner alongside Ben Duckett following encouraging performances during his maiden Test series against New Zealand earlier this summer.

In that series, the left-hander scored 139 runs across six innings at an average of 23.16, including two half-centuries. Those contributions helped him cement his place in England’s top order and earned him another opportunity against Pakistan.

England will be hoping the shoulder problem proves to be minor, as the team prepares for an important home campaign under Joe Root, who begins his second spell as Test captain.

The series is expected to provide another significant challenge for England as they aim to build momentum in the World Test Championship.

The opening Test will be played at Headingley from August 19 to 23, followed by the second match at Lord’s from August 27 to 31. The third and final Test is scheduled for September 9 to 13 at Edgbaston.

England squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan: Joe Root (captain), Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox, Jamie Smith, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Matthew Fisher, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir.