Gary Ballance has been ruled out of the third Investec Test with a broken finger, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday evening.
Ballance was hit on the left index finger by Morne Morkel in the second innings of England's defeat against South Africa at Trent Bridge.
The Yorkshire batsman did not initially think he had broken his finger and, after treatment on the field, was able to resume his innings.
However, following consultation with a hand surgeon in Leeds, a fracture was diagnosed.
A statement from the ECB read: "Gary Ballance has been ruled out of the third Investec Test against South Africa at the Kia Oval starting July 27 after fracturing his left index finger.
"The Yorkshire left-hander saw a hand surgeon in Leeds on Tuesday. He will continue to be monitored by the England medical team and could still be available for selection in the fourth Test starting next month at Emirates Old Trafford."
As a result of the enforced absence of Ballance, who had been going in at number three, uncapped batsmen Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley and Dawid Malan will be among those who could be named when England announce their squad at the end of this week for the third match of four in a series which is level at 1-1.
Ballance's absence would surely dissuade England from making too many changes at the top of the order, despite their difficulties in Nottingham.
Stoneman was being touted as Alastair Cook's 11th opening partner since the retirement of Andrew Strauss five years ago, with incumbent Keaton Jennings dropping down to three and Ballance perhaps finding a new home below captain Joe Root at number five.
Without Ballance, though, it seems more likely England would limit the disruption and perhaps introduce one of Malan or Westley at the vacant number three.
That could yet spell another chance for all-rounder Liam Dawson, who had appeared the most likely fall guy further down the list.
