Joe Denly out of England ODI series against Ireland through injury

The England batsman was due to take part in the opening match of the three-game campaign on Thursday but was withdrawn after suffering a back spasm

Joe Denly will miss the entire one-day international series against Ireland through injury.

The England batsman was due to take part in the opening match of the three-game campaign on Thursday but was withdrawn after suffering a back spasm.

His Kent teammate Sam Billings replaced him in the starting line-up and will likely now get an extended run in the side after Denly's problem was deemed serious enough to pull him out of Engand's 14-man squad.

He will be replaced by Liam Livingstone of Lancashire.

England will look to complete a series win with a match to spare on Saturday at the Ageas Bowl.

Billings and David Willey were the stars of the show on Thursday as the hosts romped home by six wickets, having bowled Ireland out for just 172.