Brydon Carse appears set to be ruled out for England’s must-win game against Afghanistan this week – and possibly the remainder of their Champions Trophy campaign – after being a notable absentee at training on Monday.
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Jos Buttler’s men head into Wednesday’s day-nighter at the Gaddafi Stadium desperate for victory following their chastening five-wicket defeat to Australia on the same ground last Saturday. Carse, who had been touch and go to play due to a toe injury, finished as their most expensive bowler on the night, going at 9.85 per over.
That issue – a blister that required stitches and saw Carse miss a chunk of the recent India tour – is believed to have flared up once more, with the 29-year-old missing when England were put through their paces two days out from facing Afghanistan.
“We will have to wait and see,” said Joe Root, speaking during the net session on Monday afternoon. “We are still a good way out from the game to find out exactly what is up with Carsey. We will see how things pan out over the next few days.”
England have pace options on the bench, at least, with Saqib Mahmood, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton all sitting out Saturday’s defeat. The latter could well be the favourite to come into the XI, as the most like-for-like replacement with bat and ball.
If Carse is ruled out of the tournament – and that may be just two more games should another defeat follow – the selectors will need to apply to the International Cricket Council’s event technical committee for a replacement to be flown out.
There is no requirement to make this new player like-for-like, however, and a squad that has looked like a frontline spinner light may consider taking up this option. Rehan Ahmed, for example, missed out on the 15 despite being part of the recent tour of India.
Should England progress to the semi-finals – something that will still require wins against Afghanistan, and then South Africa on Saturday – they could find themselves playing in Dubai, a ground that requires more slow bowling options. It is now confirmed to be used, after India – playing their entire campaign there after declining to travel to Pakistan – sealed their qualification on Sunday with victory over their arch rivals.
Buttler’s men cannot afford to look that far ahead, Afghanistan having had their number during the group stage of the 2023 World Cup. Conversely, the management may need to take a long term view on Carse, with the fast bowler impressing during his first winter of Test cricket and 2025 featuring marquee series against India and Australia
If the injury proves to be serious, it may also make Carse a doubt to feature in the Indian Premier League that starts next month, having been picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for £100,000 during the most recent auction.
