Xtra Time Web Desk: England captain Eoin Morgan looks to be in doubts for the 2nd ODI against India on Friday. Morgan picked up an injury during the first ODI at MCA stadium in Pune on Tuesday. Morgan split the webbing between his right thumb and index finger while fielding. He had to bat with four stitches during the England innings.
Morgan could only manage 22 runs as England were bowled out for 251 runs chasing a daunting 317/5.
Another English cricketer Sam Billings is also in doubts for Friday’s ODI. He sprained his collar bone while diving in vain to stop a boundary.
Morgan said the pair faced a 48-hour wait before a decision is made on their fitness for the next game, a must-win for England if they are to keep the three-match series alive.
“We’re going to wait a while, and then give them as much time as needed to hopefully be available for Friday,” Morgan said. “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.”
Morgan was yet to ask Billings whether he had felt the injury while batting but he admitted to feeling some discomfort himself during England’s run-chase.
“I haven’t spoken with Sam about his batting so I don’t know in his instance,” Morgan added. “In mine, It’s never going to be at 100%, but it’s not that I can’t hold a bat.”
The England captain hinted there will be a few changes to the playing XI for the second ODI. Liam Livingstone is a string contender to get a nod for the all important clash on Friday. Livingstone took a brilliant catch running in from deep cover to dismiss Shreyas Iyer. The batsman is in line to make his ODI debut. He played two T20Is, when England hosted South Africa in 2017.