Ben Foakes struggling with back spasm as Surrey look to stave off Hampshire defeat

The England wicketkeeper didn't keep wicket for the reigning county champions on either Friday or Saturday, with Jamie Smith taking the gloves in his absence

Ben Foakes' involvement in Surrey's County Championship clash with Hampshire has been restricted by a back spasm.

The England wicketkeeper didn't keep wicket for the reigning county champions on either Friday or Saturday, with Jamie Smith – one of several names being touted as an England keeper of the future – taking the gloves in his absence.

"He will hopefully bat if required," said Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket. Surrey are likely to need him, with Hampshire declaring their first innings at the Utilita Bowl on 608 for 5, in response to Surrey's 127.

"He has suffered a back spasm," said Stewart. "He felt something fourth or fifth ball when he was batting and it got bad enough for him not to keep.

^{Ben Foakes suffered a back spasm while batting at the Utilita Bowl (Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)}

"He spent most of the last day-and-a-half laying on his back in the dressing room on the physio's table. Hopefully, it will settle down."

Foakes made 14 with the bat but was one of five victims for Kyle Abbott, after Surrey won the toss and elected to bat on Friday.

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