ICC WC 2019: Injury cloud hangs over England ahead of India clash

Birmingham: England enter their crucial ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup game against India here at Edgbaston on Sunday with doubts surrounding paceman Jofra Archer’s availability, although Jason Roy looks set to be available.

It appeared Eoin Morgan’s side would be back to full strength at Edgbaston on Sunday, after the skipper confirmed opener Jason Roy’s likely return provided he got through practice unscathed.

But Morgan later admitted doubts surrounding the availability of Archer, who played in the defeat to Australia after passing a late fitness test on a side strain and undertook a less-than-full-speed warm-up on the eve of the clash.

“We’re going to see how he comes through today,” said Morgan. “It’s the same thing he’s been playing with the last three games. So we’ll see how he comes through today.”

When pressed on if England, who may need to win both of their final games to earn a semi-final spot, would risk Archer given the magnitude of the contest, Morgan responded: “If it’s going to rule him out long term, no. If it’s going to be short term, yes.”

There was, however, better news to report on Roy, who hasn’t featured in back-to-back losses against Sri Lanka and Australia having struck a glorious century against Bangladesh in his last innings, an ICC report said.

“Jason is preparing to play,” added Morgan.

Those issues only add to the drama surrounding a highly anticipated meeting between the stuttering pre-tournament favourites and side who recently usurped them at the summit of the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings.

“I think we’re in an extremely lucky position to be in playing in a home World Cup for your own country is an extremely privileged position to be in, presents a huge opportunity,” Morgan said.

“Two more group stage games left. If we win the two, go through two semi-finals, if we win that, we get through to a World Cup final. There’s still a lot on the line, and we’re really looking forward to it,” he added. (UNI)

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