England lose quick Josh Tongue to a toe injury before the white-ball tour of Australia, while Adil Rashid impresses in the warm-up.
England's preparations for the white-ball tour of Australia have taken a hit. Fast bowler Josh Tongue has been ruled out with a toe injury and will not travel.
Tongue had been tipped to add pace and bounce to the attack, and conditions in Australia tend to reward bowlers who hit the deck hard. Losing him leaves a gap in the seam department. England's selectors now have to weigh their options before the squad heads Down Under.
There was better news in the warm-up, where leg-spinner Adil Rashid was the standout. His control and variation are a major weapon in white-ball cricket, and a strong showing before a long tour will encourage the camp. Rashid's experience in the middle overs could be vital as England try to adapt to unfamiliar surfaces and big boundaries.
The injury is a reminder of how thin the margins are for touring sides, where one fitness setback can force a rethink of the whole bowling plan. England will hope the rest of the group arrives fit and sharp, with Rashid's form giving them a timely lift.
