England opener Jason Roy, who had suffered a calf injury during their encounter against South Africa on Saturday at Sharjah, could miss the Semifinal of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
The batter sustained the injury while trying to complete a run during England’s 10-run defeat to South Africa in Sharjah on Saturday.
Roy was in tears as he was helped off the field and later shown on crutches, with the 31-year-old now to go for a scan on Sunday before the outcome is revealed on Monday. He had scored 20 off 15 balls.
Roy pulled up almost straight after setting off at the non-striker’s end, then hobbled off the pitch with support from Tom Curran, one of England’s substitutes for the day, and retired hurt, with Moeen Ali coming in at No. 3.
England will play the first semi-final on Wednesday, if they wins, will then compete in next Sunday’s final in Dubai.
Roy had earlier clutched the same muscle while fielding, after running around to his right from long-on in the final over of South Africa’s innings in an attempt to prevent a six from Rassie van der Dussen off Chris Jordan.
James Vince, one of two travelling reserves along with Liam Dawson, could step up in playing XI to replace Jason Roy who has scored 123 runs in this World Cup with a best of 61 against Bangladesh.
England captain Eoin Morgan indicated that team were likely to maintain the same balance to their side, meaning Billings would slot into the middle order. If not, they could bring in an extra seam-bowling allrounder – either Curran or David Willey.
England have a back-up batter in their squad in Sam Billings but it is likely that one of Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow or Moeen will move up to open the batting if Roy is ruled out for the knockout stages.
Discussing Roy’s injury on Saturday night, England captain Eoin Morgan said he is unbelievably important. See how commanding he is at the top of the order, not only in T20 cricket but 50-over cricket as well, he said.