Australia vice-captain David Warner is out of the one-day series with England and faces a race against time to recover for October's two-Test tour of Bangladesh after breaking his thumb.
The opening batsman is facing a four-to-six week recovery after suffering the break to his left thumb.
The 28-year-old was struck by England paceman Steve Finn with the second ball of Australia's 64-run one-day victory at Lord's, which gave them a 2-0 series lead.
After travelling with the team to Manchester, where the third ODI will take place on Tuesday, Warner will fly home on Monday to begin his recovery time.
Warner's best case scenario will have him fit in time for the opening Test in Bangladesh on October 9, but not before their tour match, which starts on October 3.
In a nightmare situation for Australia, Warner fails to play any role in the series.
That would result in Australia needing to blood two opening batsman in difficult sub-continental conditions in Steve Smith's debut series as captain.
Warner was already looking for an opening partner following the retirement of the dependable Chris Rogers following the Ashes.
At 28, Warner is now indisputably a senior figure in Australian cricket.
Along with Smith, he is potentially the only batsman in Australia's top six whose place in the team is secure in the short term.
His 3649 Test runs and 12 centuries also identify him as a player Australia will rely on heavily in the near future.
While it would be far from ideal to parachute a batsman in for a Test on zero preparation, such is the value Warner provides Australia he would almost certainly be afforded every chance to prove his fitness.
Smith praised his team's ability to recover from the loss of his deputy and continue their unbeaten start to the ODI series.
"It was disappointing to lose him in that fashion today, but I thought the boys stood up really well and got the job done," Smith said.
"That was the most important thing at present, and I think looking forward (we have) got to find someone else to potentially fill the role that he won't be able to do."
The injury occurred on just the second ball on Saturday, with Warner attempting to fend a rearing delivery away but only managing to glove it over the head of wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.
After scampering through for a single, Warner signalled team doctor John Orchard to the field.
Following a short consultation with Orchard and medical staff, the vice-captain retired hurt on one and was sent for scans, which revealed the extent of the injury.
Cricket Australia announced T20 captain Aaron Finch as his replacement for the remainder of the series.
An aggressive opening batsman, Finch is in many ways a like-for-like replacement for Warner.
The 28-year-old was overlooked for the current series as he overcame a troubling winter with hamstring and foot injuries.
However, he has since returned to fitness and is currently playing with English county side Yorkshire.
"It's very exciting to be back," Finch said.
"It's unfortunate for David Warner for me to come in under these circumstances, that's not ideal, but these things happen in cricket and it's great for me to be back."
After Bangladesh, Australia have a busy summer which includes home Test series against the West Indies and New Zealand.
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