The World’s greatest spectacle is three days away to begin on Thursday (May 30). The ICC World Cup 2019 will start with hosts England facing South Africa in the curtain raiser. Well, Kennington Oval in London will host the twelfth edition of the ODI showpiece. But, ahead of the marquee event, at least five players have received injuries. Thus, it eventually makes the situation dicey for the teams.
On the other side, players have also nursed injuries during the ongoing warm-up fixtures.
However, the management of teams must be relieved as the players who picked these injuries aren’t that serious about becoming a huge cause of concern. Also, the fans have suggested the management to wrap their leading players in the cotton wool.
Meanwhile, every team is keen to make sure that their players are up and running to partake in the multi-nation event.
Earlier, Kedar Jadhav has nursed a shoulder injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL), and he has missed the first practice game.
However, he is recovering fast to make available himself for practice game against Bangladesh on May 28. Recently, Dhawan while facing the throwdowns from batting coach Sanjay Bangar received a blow around his jaw and chin when one of the balls hurried at him.
It’s pertinent to point out that ten warm-up fixtures are scheduled between May 24 and 28 respectively.
With at least four games still to take place, the teams wouldn’t want to take the chance before the beginning of the main event in England and Wales.
Let’s have a look at those five players who are on the road to gain hundred per cent fitness:
Jofra Archer:
On May 25, England’s World Cup-bound allrounder Jofra Archer has given England an injury scare during their practice game at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Archer, who can clock at 90 mph regularly came as a substitute fielder for fast bowler Mark Wood, who have developed an issue with his left foot. Wood returned to the dressing room after stopping halfway through his bowling run-up.
However, within a space of two balls, Archer has slipped in an attempt to stop a ball at midwicket region.
In much of a relief for the three Lions, Archer who trudged off the ground returned to the field after receiving treatment within 60 minutes.
Mark Wood:
England speedster Mark Wood has unfortunately picked an injury during the warm-up fixture against Australia. Wood, who has a troublesome foot, has stopped midway while bowling during Australian innings.
Wood has been nursing ankle issues for quite a time now.
However, he has undergone scans; thus, the initial reports revealed the extent of the injury as minor. Meanwhile, the final report will be handed to the team management on Monday (May 27).
Besides, the hosts are hoping against hope only to see Wood proving his fitness ahead of the tournament’s opener against the Proteas on this Thursday.
Eoin Morgan:
In what could be disturbing for England, skipper Eoin Morgan has nursed a finger injury during the practice session. Ahead of the warm-up game against Aaron Finch-led Australia, Morgan has sustained an injury on his left-hand index finger.
Also, a recent scan reported that there is a minor fracture which has given injury scare to English camp.
However, England captain is confident of being available for the tourney opener in a couple of days. He himself revealed that there is a ‘small fracture’.
Avishka Fernando:
During the warm-up game against South Africa, Sri Lankan batsman Avishka Fernando has twisted his ankle during the fielding. Fernando, who writhed in pain, was stretchered off the field after team physio attended him on the ground.
Meanwhile, he is expected to take the field after reports revealed a minor ankle injury.
Vijay Shankar:
During the practice session in Southampton, Team India allrounder Vijay Shankar has sustained an injury. The vicious delivery from left-arm paceman Khaleel Ahmed’s delivery has hit him on the right hand.
The Tamil Nadu-based 27-year-old cricketer without wasting any time has undergone scans. However, on the eve of India’s warm-up game, the management received positive news that reports revealed there is no major injury.
Meanwhile, the team physio Patrick Farhart and BCCI’s medical team is carefully assessing Shankar ahead of their warm-up game against Tigers.
Well, India will play their first World Cup match on June 5 against the Proteas in Southampton.