Ansari dislocates thumb after England call

On the day he was called up to his first England Test squad Zafar Ansari suffered an open dislocation of his left thumb against Lancashire at Old Trafford and was sent to hospital.

Surrey confirmed the extent of Ansari's injury in a tweet at 10pm on Tuesday, but the club had been fearing the worst throughout the second day of their division two title decider, with their director of cricket Alec Stewart admitting at the close of play that "it didn't look good."

Fielding at cover point, Ansari dropped a very difficult catch off Lancashire's Ashwell Prince and immediately gestured for assistance from the dressing room. He left the field holding a bandage to his left hand and soon went to hospital.

"It didn't look good. He's gone off to hospital to see a hand specialist. It's his left thumb and he was in quite a bit of pain," Stewart said. "Fingers crossed for him but seeing him in the dressing room it's certainly a concern.

"Obviously with the announcement this morning he was in a great place. He's earned that right, and he offers England something they haven't got. If he gets in that environment I think England will be very impressed with him. Let's not speculate now. Hopefully we'll get some news sooner rather than later."

Ansari was one of three players uncapped at Test level included in England's 16-man squad for the three Test series against Pakistan which starts on October 13. Alex Hales and Adil Rashid were also named while James Taylor was recalled.

Surrey added that Ansari's injury would be "reviewed over the next couple of days". England depart for the UAE on September 30.