Ben Foakes is to have an x-ray on his right hand, after being struck by a delivery from Shannon Gabriel on day one in Antigua.
Foakes, the England keeper, sustained a blow to his hand from the ball that dismissed him: an attempted hook deflecting on to the stumps off his glove and hip.
He was subsequently unable to keep wicket when West Indies started their reply. Ahead of play on day two, the England camp announced he would not be keeping in at least the first session, either. Jonny Bairstow has taken the gloves in his place.
While England are well-placed for reserve keepers – Bairstow had developed into a more than competent keeper before injury gave Foakes an opportunity at the start of the Test series in Sri Lanka – England may well need Foakes’ batting before this match is done. He put on 85 for the seventh wicket with Moeen Ali on day one – easily the highest partnership of the innings – and topped the batting averages in the Test series in Sri Lanka.
His absence might also leave him vulnerable to future selection decisions. With England struggling to balance their side despite the presence of several all-rounders, Foakes’ absence may provide another player to establish themselves. Bairstow has made no secret of his desire to reclaim the gloves and, in Barbados at least, England could have done with playing an extra seamer.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo