ENG vs AUS 2018: Australia's Billy Stanlake in Doubt for Second ODI

However, his problems with his toe injury continue. Stanlake had already suffered a similar sort of damage earlier in the summer which nearly got his toe on left leg amputated.

“It just started off as an open wound on the top of my toe purely from bowling,” Stanlake told cricket.com.au of the injury he suffered earlier. “It gradually got worse and worse. I couldn’t walk on it, it got pretty serious and I was in hospital for four days and needed surgery.

“I don’t think I was that far off losing it and I think if (the infection) had gotten into the bone or the tendons, I might have been in some serious trouble,” he added.

The big 6 ft 8 in Stanlake had endured a difficult summer on a personal note. He fractured his little finger during the IPL and was ruled out for the reminder of the tournament. But he recovered well in time to make himself available for England ODI series.

Stanlake Impressed in First ODI

Despite Australia losing the game by three wickets, Stanlake’s raw pace created havoc in the top-order. He managed to pick out the wickets of both Jason Roy and Joe Root in the first ODI at The Oval. He ended the match with 2/44. But Australia are not short of options despite the injury.

Stanlake has remained a mere spectator in the practise session at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff ahead of second ODI. The team underwent rigorous training in fitness and fielding under the watchful eyes of Justin Langer.

They could go a straight swap in Jhye Richardson, who impressed recently in the domestic circuit. Considering their poor batting performance in the first game, Tim Paine could instead opt for D’Arcy Short which will definitely strengthen their batting.

D’Arcy Short is yet to make his debut for Australia in ODIs and could very well be the missing piece in their batting lineup for this series.