Calf injuries will likely keep England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith out of the first two ODIs in the three-match series against India, but he is expected to recover in time for the Champions Trophy.
Smith felt discomfort in his calf during the third T20I in Rajkot, England’s only win, and has since been undergoing treatment. He played in the second and third T20Is after replacing Jacob Bethell but missed the next two games as India clinched the five-match series 4-1.
As per Daily Mail, by next Wednesday in Ahmedabad, which will be the last match of the tour and also the deadline to finalize squads for the Champions Trophy being sent to the International Cricket Council, 24-year-old Smith will undergo a fitness test.
Joe Root joined England for the ODI leg of the tour, but now batting options are thin due to Smith’s absence. Initially slated to arrive in place of spinner Rehan Ahmed, Root has now been asked to play in the ODIs.
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During the T20I leg of the tour, England have been solid with fast bowling backed by only Adil Rashid, whereas India have used up to five spinners in an innings.
Following the T20I series humiliation, pace bowler Saqib Mahmood is also expected for the first ODI in Rajkot. The right-arm pacer played just one game before being dropped for the final T20I at Wankhede Stadium, but not before leaving India reeling at 12 for 3 with a stunning triple wicket maiden.
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The three-match ODI series kicks off Thursday in Nagpur, with the second ODI on Sunday. The last match of the series is scheduled to be England’s last preparation before facing Australia on February 22 in the opening match of the Champions Trophy.
