The England selectors' plans for the coming three-Test series against Sri Lanka have been disrupted after wicket-keeper James Foster sustained a broken arm in practice.

Foster was one of 11 players to win a central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last month, and would therefore have been confident of selection for the first Test, which starts at Lord's on May 16th. He sustained the injury while batting in the nets with his Essex colleagues at his home ground of Chelmsford. He now appears certain to miss the first two Tests of the series. The second Test at Edgbaston starts on May 30th.

"He has undergone an x-ray and the arm has been put in plaster and he is expected to be out for four weeks," said ECB spokesman Andrew Walpole.

Foster, 22, made his international debut for England on the tour of India last year and kept wicket throughout the recent Test series in New Zealand.

His injury could pave the way for a return to the senior wicket-keeping role for Test veteran Alec Stewart, although Chris Read of Nottinghamshire and Lancashire's Warren Hegg, who toured with England over the winter, are also likely to be contenders. However Stewart's excellent batting form (he scored 99 and 96 in his first two Championship innings for Surrey) could well present a compelling case for a recall.

Stewart, now 39, last played for England against Australia at The Oval last August. His decision to miss the tour of India (and consequential non-selection for New Zealand) led to speculation that his 115-Test career could be over. However he has made clear his intention to reclaim his place, and shown the form to demand consideration.

© 2002 CricInfo Ltd