Jake Ball is likely to be fit for the first Ashes Test on November 23

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England head coach Trevor Bayliss has calmed fears about pace bowler Jake Ball’s ankle injury, saying that should he be needed, he will be fit for the first Ashes Test on November 23 in Brisbane.

Ball was diagnosed with ligament damage in his ankle after hurting it during a warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI.

Even though George Garton was called in as a potential replacement, Bayliss doesn’t think Ball’s injury will require him to be sidelined for a lengthy period of time.

“There could be a possibility he would be right for the next game but we will probably let him go there and make sure he is right for selection for the first Test,” Bayliss was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “At least he will be available for the first Test. Whether we pick him or not, we have got to make that decision once we get closer. He should be right in that 7-10 day time frame, he’s fairly confident.

“He has got a boot on but that is more precautionary at the moment. He says he has been walking around without the boot and feels fine. Fingers crossed that he is right.”

Had England lost Ball to a serious injury, it would be another big blow for the tourists ahead of the Ashes as they are without all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was withdrawn from the Ashes squad, and fast bowler Steven Finn, who was ruled out of the series with a knee injury.