LONDON: England received a boost ahead of their three-match Test series against Pakistan, with opener Emilio Gay reportedly expected to recover in time for the opening Test beginning in Leeds on Aug 19.

Gay suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Durham against Middlesex on Friday, but scans have reportedly shown no serious damage.

Gay made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year scoring two half-centuries in the three-match series. Despite some inconsistency, his partnership with Ben Duckett impressed England’s management, who look to give him more opportunities after dropping Zak Crawley.

According to the Daily Mail Sport, Gay’s scan on Saturday revealed no major injury, meaning he should be available to resume his opening partnership with Duckett against Pakistan.

The series will also be Joe Root’s first official assignment as England Test captain since returning to the role. Newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming has been involved in selecting the squad, while Marcus Trescothick will oversee the team as interim head coach for this series before Fleming takes full charge.

England will be without top-order batter Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury during the team’s recent 2-1 ODI series win over India.

England enter the series after losing 2-1 at home to New Zealand, while Pakistan drew their recent two-Test rubber in the West Indies.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026