Alex Hales has been ruled out of playing a part in the rest of England’s ODI series against India due to a side strain.

The news has perhaps eased any selection headaches Eoin Morgan may have had going into the two remaining matches.

Morgan stated before the game on Thursday that Hales would not have made the team even if he was fit. However, following a sizeable defeat to the touring side in the first fixture, Morgan may have been tempted to reshuffle the pack and include Hales in later fixtures. That is no longer an option.

The Nottinghamshire batsman was in a rich vein of form approaching this series, the highlight of which was a barnstorming 147 against Australia.

The second ODI takes place at Lord’s on Saturday.