Sam Billings Sustains Sprained Collar Bone Joint But Expected To Bat In The Second Innings

As the England cricket team are making their way back in the first ODI against India in Pune, they suffered an injury setback in the form of Sam Billings. England’s middle-order batsman Sam Billings sustained what initially appeared to be a shoulder injury as he left the field following a diving effort. The Kent batsman was patrolling the deep square leg boundary region. However, the team management remains hopeful he can bat.

As Sam Billings held his shoulder after failing to prevent a boundary through his drive, England cricket’s medical team were on the field to assess him. Even as the injury looked severe, Billings was able to stand up and walk off the field. Later, the England Cricket Board confirmed that he had sprained his collar bone joint. It was not related to the shoulder injury that Sam suffered in 2019 while playing against Glamorgan, ending his hopes of representing England in the 2019 World Cup.

England Cricket Board’s statement read, “It’s sore, he’s currently receiving treatment and we are hopeful he will be able to bat later.” Billings is also set to represent the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021, beginning from the 9th of April. The 29-year old did not get an opportunity in the five-match T20 series and he hopes to use the ODI leg to establish his spot in England’s 50-over side’s outfit and firm his position in their T20 set-up ahead of this year’s World Cup.

Sam Billings’ fielding substitute Liam Livingstone takes an outstanding catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer:

Meanwhile, Sam Billings’ fielding replacement Liam Livingstone was in the mix straightway as he took a brilliant catch while running from deep cover to get rid of Shreyas Iyer. After England elected to field, the bowlers kept the leash on India’s batsmen. Despite taking Rohit Sharma’s wicket, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan notched up a 100-run stand to give the hosts an upper hand.

But England’s bowlers hit back by removing Virat Kohli for 56 and Shikhar Dhawan for 98. They also dismissed Iyer and the dangerous Hardik Pandya cheaply to tie India down. All-rounder Ben Stokes has been the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while new-ball bowler Mark Wood snapped a couple. At present, Krunal Pandya and KL Rahul have built a stable stand to keep the men in blue in track for a competitive total.

Also Read: ODI Series A Great Opportunity For KL Rahul To Regain His Form And Confidence: Sanjay Manjrekar