Westley to return from Australia after suffering finger injury

 

Essex batsman Tom Westley will fly home from Brisbane tomorrow (Wednesday) for scans and a probable finger operation, after suffering an injury in the field in the Lions’ game against a Queensland Select XI.

Westley had been due to bat at number three, but an initial diagnosis on the middle finger of his left hand ruled him out of playing any further part on the Lions training camp, which continues for a fortnight in Perth with a focus on white-ball skills.

“Given what we suspect about the injury, we think it’s important to get Tom back to a specialist in Leeds as soon as possible to have a further scan and then for any surgery that’s necessary,” explained Ben Langley, the ECB’s lead physiotherapist.

Paul Coughlin, Nottinghamshire’s recent signing from Durham who limped out of the game with a hip problem sustained fielding on the first day, has responded well to treatment, and there are no plans for him to return home early at this stage.