England has a task at hand against India in the continuing three-match One-Day International series. With England already trailing 0-1 in the series, things could get tough in the second ODI, as skipper Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings could skip it owing to respective injuries.
England was off to a tough start in the opening One-Day International against India, losing by 66 runs at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Tuesday. Meanwhile, things could get even more demanding in the following ODI on Friday, as skipper Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings have reportedly suffered injuries.
What happened?
During the Indian innings, Morgan split his webbing on his right thumb and walked off the field. Although he did come out to bat during the English chase, he had to take four stitches and a pain-killer to do so, while he could manage just 22.
Billings hurt his collar bone while diving in to save a boundary and go off the field. Although he did come out to bat as well during the chase, he could score just 18.
What's next?
Following the game, Morgan said they would have to wait for 48 hours before taking a final call on their subsequent game participation. "We're going to wait a while and then give them as much time as needed to be available for Friday, hopefully. I think two different instances, obviously when you have a split webbing fielding is a concern, and with Sam obviously landing while he's fielding, being able to play the shots that he does," he said, reports ESPNCricinfo.
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"I haven't spoken with Sam about his batting, so I don't know in his instance. In mine, It's never going to be at 100%, but it's not that I can't hold a bat," he added.
Concern for Delhi Capitals?
Meanwhile, Billings injury could give his Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals a headache, despite him being backed to make a full recovery by the season starter on April 9. However, DC's concern would be much more profound with its skipper Shreyas Iyer, who partially dislocated his shoulder in the same ODI on Tuesday and could be out for weeks.
Plans for 2nd ODI
Speaking on his plans for the next game, Morgan stated that he would have to make some changes to the XI, with Liam Livingstone in line to make his ODI debut. Also, spinner Matt Parkinson and pacer Reece Topley could be added.
"Absolutely, we're going to try and give the majority of the players within the squad an opportunity to play 50-over cricket for us, as it has been the vehicle to grow our squad. We will try and move beyond our best 11 players on the field, so there will be opportunities for guys coming in," concluded Morgan.
