London: Denly's injury to his left knee has been diagnosed, however, as a "small strain" - an encouraging outcome so far, after the England opener had to be carried off The Oval when he landed awkwardly during a warm-up football match on Thursday.

It was no surprise when the 23-year-old missed the first of seven one-day internationals against Australia today - and his absence from Lord's on Sunday was largely anticipated too, following scans on his injury.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement this afternoon reported: "Further assessment of scans have revealed no major structural damage to Joe Denly's injured left knee.

"Joe has suffered a small sprain to the knee and will continue to receive treatment over the next 48 hours before undergoing a further assessment early next week, which will determine a recovery timescale.

"He has been ruled out of England's second NatWest Series ODI at Lord's on Sunday."