The ECB have confirmed that England all-rounder Ravi Bopara is not expected to bowl during the national side's opening Test against Sri Lanka on Monday.
The 26-year-old suffered a side injury during the visitors' warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Board XI, which has hampered his chances of making the team for next week's first Test match.
"Ravi Bopara strained his left side in the first innings and is unlikely to bowl during the Test series," said an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman. "He will be available for selection as a specialist batsman."
Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott are potential candidates to pick up any bowling duties against Sri Lanka.
