Morgan to return opening WC game

Sports Desk: England captain Eoin Morgan has sustained a small flake fracture to his left index finger but expects to be fit for his side's opening World Cup fixture against South Africa on 30 May.

The 32-year-old will, however, miss his side's warm-up match against Australia in Southampton on Saturday.

Morgan took the knock to his finger during catching drills on Friday.

"There's a very small fracture in there but I'm good to go," Morgan, speaking to www.cricketworldcup.com, said.

After practice he went to hospital for a precautionary X-ray.

"I am going to miss the game tomorrow unfortunately but, as regards to the first game of the tournament, I should be fit to go. It's very good news," added Morgan.

Morgan became England captain in 2015 and has been key in implementing his side's attacking approach, which has lifted them to the top of the one-day international rankings.

He has played 222 ODIs and averages 39.64, with 12 tons and 45 half-centuries to his name.

England spinner Liam Dawson did not witness the incident but said the consensus from his team-mates was the Dublin-born left-hander's injury was not serious.

"I was batting on the other side, so I didn't know what went on. When I came back to the dressing room a couple of the lads were talking," Dawson said.

"I just heard he got hit on the finger. I don't think it's too bad."

Asked to explain Morgan's importance to the squad, Dawson added: "He's massive. The cricket that's been played over the last four years has all been led by him. Hopefully he's fit and raring to go."

England are favourites to win the World Cup on home soil and claim the trophy for the first time, having lost in the final three times - in 1979, 1987 and 1992.

risingbd/Dhaka/May 25, 2019/AKA