Concerns In Both Camps As India-England Players Suffer Injuries During 1st ODI

India had a successful start to the three-match ODI series against England as they defeated the visitors by 66 runs in 1st game. However, going into the second match, both camps will be in serious concern over their key players who got injured on Tuesday. 

For England, Sam Billings and captain Eoin Morgan are in doubt to play the 2nd ODI. Billings sprained his shoulder while diving to save a boundary. However, he came into bat in the 2nd innings, but his fitness remains in doubt. 

Morgan split his webbing between his right thumb and index finger and got four stitches. He, too, batted but never looked comfortable at the crease. 

“We’re going to wait 48 for hours and see how it is…give as much time as needed to hopefully be available for Friday,” Morgan said at the post-match interaction.

“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 percent but it’s not that I can’t hold a bat,” Morgan added. 

For India, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer sustained injuries. Sharma got hit on the elbow by a rising delivery from fast bowler Mark Wood. He continued to bat, but with extreme pain and didn't take the field during the 2nd innings. 

Iyer dislocated his left shoulder while fielding in the 2nd innings and was taken to scan immediately. He didn't field for the rest of the game. The left shoulder has already been a cause of problems for Iyer, who missed the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 for the same reason. A shoulder dislocation could mean his unavailability for the upcoming IPL season where he is to captain Delhi Capitals. 

Shreyas Iyer recently joined the Lancashire county club in England to play the Royal London cup 2021 in July. If the injury gets serious, he might well be out for at least six months. 

India will be facing England again on 26th March, Friday for the 2nd ODI at Pune. The hosts lead the series 1-0.