IND vs ENG: Injured Morgan, Billings doubtful for second ODI

Morgan split the webbing between his right thumb and index finger that required four stitches, while Billings injured his collarbone following an awkward dive.

England skipper Eoin Morgan plays a shot during the series opener against India in Pune.

England skipper Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings are doubtful for the second ODI against India here on Friday after sustaining injuries in the series-opener, dealing a fresh blow to the side's floundering campaign.

England suffered setbacks in its 66-run defeat after the skipper split the webbing between his right thumb and index finger that required four stitches. In another incident, Billings injured his collarbone following an awkward dive to stop a boundary.

 

"We're going to wait for 48 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.

Morgan, who scored 22 as England was bowled out for 251 in pursuit of India's 318, said his batting would not be 100 per cent given the injury and fielding too is a concern with a split webbing.

Billings, who had dislocated his left shoulder to miss England's triumphant campaign in the 2019 World Cup, too batted in the stiff run chase and scored 18.

 

"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 per cent but it's not that I can't hold a bat," Morgan said.

Going forward, Morgan said, the team management would give the majority of its players opportunities which could mean openings for Matt Parkinson, Reece Topley and uncapped Liam Livingstone.

"ODI cricket has been the vehicle to grow our squad and try and improve beyond our best XI on the field so there will be opportunities for guys coming in," Morgan said.