England vs Pakistan: Ben Stokes set to miss third Test at Edgbaston because of a torn right calf

The all-rounder limped out of England's attack as they closed in on their series-levelling victory over Pakistan at Old Trafford on Monday

Ben Stokes walks off the field after suffering a calf injury in Manchester on Monday

Ben Stokes will miss next week's third Investec Test at Edgbaston because of a torn right calf.

The all-rounder limped out of England's attack as they closed in on their series-levelling victory over Pakistan at Old Trafford on Monday.

After scans on his injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Stokes' absence on Wednesday - and announced a 13-man squad without him.

It contains, as expected, Steven Finn and Jake Ball as pace-bowling cover for Stokes - with Adil Rashid as a second spin option, along with the remainder of the winning team in Manchester.

An ECB press release read: "Durham and England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the Test after an MRI scan revealed that he sustained a torn right calf during the fourth day of England's 330-run victory over Pakistan at Emirates Old Trafford.

"The 25-year-old will be reviewed by the England medical team next week, when the squad reports to Birmingham on Monday morning."

Stokes has had an injury-ravaged summer, in which he has yet to complete a Test match or play in any limited-overs fixture for his country.


 Broad Stokes feels his calf during the second Test (Getty)

He had to have surgery on his left knee, after first hurting himself in the first Test against Sri Lanka in May.

He missed two subsequent matches in that series victory, and was returning in Manchester for the first time after having had to sit out four one-day internationals and a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka too.

England have opted against a like-for-like all-rounder replacement, with the four-match series level at 1-1.

Instead, either Finn or Ball - both alongside Rashid in an initial 14 for Old Trafford - appears set to complete a four-man seam attack.

Alternatively, the Yorkshire leg-spinner may yet be granted his maiden Test on home soil - having played only in the United Arab Emirates so far, in England's series defeat against Pakistan last winter.