England have suffered a major blow ahead of three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan as their star opening batsman Jason Roy ruled out of the contest after sustaining left side strain.

The right-hander sustained the injury last week during team’s preparation at the Old Trafford and underwent a scan on Wednesday.

“The 30-year-old will remain with the England set-up and will commence his rehabilitation program looking ahead to the Australia white-ball series, which starts next month at The Ageas Bowl,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

It must be noted that England won the Test series 1-0. Both the teams will now take part in T20I series, starting from Friday, August 28th.