Setback for England! Top-order batter ruled out for the remainder of Ashes series

England (Source: Twitter)

England's bid to bounce back in the ongoing Ashes has been dealt a blow as Ollie Pope has been ruled out of the rest of the series with right shoulder damage. The No.3 batter dislocated his shoulder while fielding during the second Test against Australia at Lord's and will need surgery, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday.

Pope sustained the injury on Day 1 when diving for a ball, but he still managed to bat in both innings. He was initially selected as part of the squad for the crucial third Test for England if they were to stay alive in the series. However, England have confirmed that their vice-captain will not feature in the upcoming matches. The update also noted that there will not be a replacement for Pope for the Headingley test.

"England and Surrey batter Ollie Pope has been ruled out of the rest of the LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes Series after dislocating his right shoulder during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s last week," the ECB said in a statement.

"Scans in London on Monday revealed the full extent of the injury and he will miss the rest of the summer campaign and will require surgery. He will work closely with the England and Surrey medical teams in respect of his rehabilitation. England will not call up a replacement for the third Ashes Test, which starts at Headingley on Thursday," it added.

A must-win game at Headingley for England to overcome a 2-0 deficit

Australia have taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after winning the first two games. England skipper Ben Stokes played a stunning knock at Lord's, but it wasn't enough for them to win the game. Pope's injury comes as the Three Lions prepare for the crucial Test, but given the way he has performed in the series so far, it won't cause too much concern for the hosts.

Meanwhile, Australia also suffered a heavy blow as they aimed to clinch the series with a win at Headingley. Their star spinner Nathan Lyon has also been ruled out for the rest of the series due to injury.

England’s Squad For 3rd Test vs Australia: Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.