India vs England 2021: Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings doubtful for second ODI after suffering injuries

India vs England 2021: Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings doubtful for second ODI after suffering injuries

Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings injured themselves during the first ODI

India sealed victory against England in the first ODI to ensure they got to a strong position ahead of the final two matches of the tour. The hosts rode on an assured batting performance that saw four players getting half-centuries – Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya and KL Rahul. All four were contrasting knocks but they played a crucial role in helping India to a good score of 317.

Also Read: India vs England: ‘His batting was so impressive’ – Sunil Gavaskar hails debutant Krunal Pandya

In reply, England were cruising to victory as they reached 135/0 in 14.2 overs. However, quick strikes from the likes of Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur helped India roar back into the game and eventually win it by a margin of 66 runs. England were thus dealt a reality check with regard to their approach of going hard right from the beginning in a run chase although captain Eoin Morgan defended the same.

Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings could miss second ODI

Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan

While fielding during the first ODI, Sam Billings sprained his collar bone as he went for a last-ditch effort to stop a boundary. Similarly, skipper Eoin Morgan suffered from a split webbing that had him leave the ground and hand over captaincy duties to Jos Buttler. While it looked doubtful that both the injured players would come out to bat, they did come out but failed to make a significant impact.

Morgan stated at the post-match conference that both himself and Billings would ‘give it 48 hours’ and see how their injuries turn out to be. It has now been stated by reports that both players could miss the second ODI in Pune that takes place on the 26th of March. If they do miss out, it would be a big blow to England’s hopes of sparking a comeback in the series to draw level and take it to the decider.

Also Read: India vs England: Virender Sehwag questions India’s ‘partial’ team selection in first ODI