As if a crushing 66-run defeat in the ODI series opener was any less, England are struggling with injuries ahead of the second game against India on Friday (March 26).
Captain Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings are doubtful for the second ODI after suffering injuries in the opening game.
See Also: BCCI releases update on injuries of Shreyas Iyer and Rohit Sharma
While Morgan split the webbing between his right thumb and index finger that needed four stitches, Billings sustained an injury on his collarbone following an awkward dive to stop a boundary.
"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 press conference.
"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," he added.
Down 0-1, England are facing a must-win situation in the second game of the three-match ODI series.
Morgan also indicated that they will give opportunities to young players going forward, which could open the doors 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," the England captain remarked.
Coming to the first ODI, India posted 317/5 on the board after being asked to bat. Shikhar Dhawan (98), KL Rahul (62*), Krunal Pandya (58*) and Virat Kohli (56) were the stars with the bat.
In reply, England got bowled out for 251 in 42.1 overs despite a terrific opening stand of 135 runs between Jason Roy (46) and Jonny Bairstow (94).
For India, Prasidh Krishna (4-54), Shardul Thakur (3-37) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-30) were the stand-out bowlers.
(With PTI inputs)
