Sam Curran's hopes of an England Test comeback have been delayed after undergoing groin surgery. The Surrey all-rounder was expected to join the squad for the ongoing Pakistan series, potentially marking his first Test appearance since 2021. A Surrey statement confirmed: "Sam Curran has been assessed for a groin injury and will undergo surgery on Friday. He will not be available for the remainder of the home season."

Curran's absence follows a busy domestic schedule, including The Hundred. His team-mate Will Jacks has also been ruled out of the Pakistan Test series after appendix surgery, though Surrey confirmed he is recovering well ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

The England vs Pakistan Test series continues at Headingley, with the first Test scheduled from August 19-23. All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports with 11am starts across the UK and Ireland.