Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of The Hundred after sustaining a knee injury during the recent ODI series against India. He was named the Birmingham Phoenix captain for the season, but an MRI scan on Monday left his return date unclear. The England and Wales Cricket Board has not yet announced when he might rejoin the side.

Missing the chance to lead, Bethell is seen as a future England captain, having steered the national side in a T20 series against Ireland last year. He was in fine form, ending the series decider at Lord’s with a 91‑run innings and 1‑49 bowling figures. He will be replaced as Phoenix skipper by South Africa’s Donovan Ferreira, a two‑time Hundred champion with the Oval Invincibles.

Phoenix open their campaign against Trent Rockets at Edgbaston on Friday (18:30 BST). Bethell, who plays county cricket for Warwickshire, was retained in the auction earlier this year with a contract worth £340,000. England’s Test series against Pakistan begins on 19 August.