ZAK CRAWLEY is a big doubt for the First Test after suffering a suspected broken wrist when he fell over at practice earlier this week.
Batsman Crawley has undergone a scan to find out whether the wrist is broken. The results are expected on Thursday.
Crawley was certain to bat in his favoured No3 position against India on Friday and his potential absence would mean England shuffling their plans.
An England team spokesman said: “Zak Crawley did not train today at England’s practice session in Chennai.
“He slipped outside the dressing room on Tuesday and has injured his right wrist.
“We are waiting for the results of scans and will know more tomorrow, ahead of our final practice.
“There is nothing further to add at this stage.”
Crawley struggled against spin as an opening batsmen in the recent 2-0 series in Sri Lanka – making scores of 9, 8, 5 and 13.
But he made a monumental 267 in his most recent innings at No3 against Pakistan in Southampton last August.
If he is unfit, Essex’s Dan Lawrence is likely to be given a reprieve.
Lawrence was scheduled to be omitted with Surrey’s Ollie Pope, now recovered from shoulder surgery, taking his place.
Pope, Joe Root or Ben Stokes could all bat at three. Another option is for Jos Buttler to move up to No6 with Moeen Ali coming into the side as a spinning all-rounder.
Jonny Bairstow, who batted at No3 in Sri Lanka, has gone home for a rest and will return for the final two Tests of the India series.
