Champions Trophy - Brydon Carse set to be ruled out of Champions Trophy with toe injury

Champions Trophy – Brydon Carse set to be ruled out of Champions Trophy with toe injury

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Brydon Carse is likely out for the remainder of England’s Champions Trophy campaign due to a left toe injury. He missed Monday’s training session after struggling during the match against Australia, where he posted a poor economy rate. Initially a blister, the injury worsened and may require further treatment. Carse is ruled out of the Group B match against Afghanistan and likely the fixture against South Africa. His absence could see Jamie Overton return to the lineup, while Rehan Ahmed is a preferred replacement. This injury complicates England’s bowling strategy ahead of important Test series against India and Australia.

Brydon Carse appears set to be sidelined for the remainder of England’s Champions Trophy games, starting with their crucial match against Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Carse missed England’s training session on Monday due to an injury to his left toe, which has required ongoing treatment throughout his career. Although the Durham pace bowler was considered fit to play against Australia on Saturday, his discomfort was evident both on the field and in his performance, as he ended up being the most expensive bowler with an economy rate of 9.85 while Australia successfully chased down a target of 352 with 15 balls remaining.

The toe issue initially started as a blister during the recent white-ball series in India, necessitating stitches and causing Carse to miss the final two ODIs. It is now thought that the condition has worsened and may need additional treatment. Consequently, the 29-year-old has been ruled out of England’s Group B match against Afghanistan in Lahore, and it is doubtful that he will be ready for their final game against South Africa in Karachi on Saturday.

“We’ll need to wait and see,” Joe Root told BBC Sport when questioned about Carse’s status. “There’s still some time before the game, to determine exactly what is going on with Carsey. We’ll see how things unfold over the next few days.”

With Carse absent, Jamie Overton is likely to return to the starting eleven, providing similar capabilities as a bowling all-rounder. Saqib Mahmood and Gus Atkinson also offer additional seam bowling options in the 15-man squad.

If Carse is officially ruled out, the ECB will need to request ICC approval to send a replacement player. Since a like-for-like replacement isn’t necessary, leg spinner Rehan Ahmed is reportedly the top candidate to take Carse’s place.

Rehan, who did not participate in the India tour, would enhance England’s spin options, as only Adil Rashid serves as the frontline spinner. This led Root and Liam Livingstone to share the spinning responsibilities against Australia to support Rashid’s efforts.

An additional dependable spinner could be crucial if England manages to reach the semi-finals, where they may face India in Dubai, a venue known to favor spin, especially after India nearly secured their spot in the last four with a victory over Pakistan on Sunday.

For Carse, this injury setback comes at the conclusion of what has been a challenging yet successful winter. After serving a three-month suspension last summer for historical gambling infractions, Carse has been on constant tours since the end of the 2024 season.

His Test debut in Pakistan – just eight days after playing all five ODIs against Australia – marked the beginning of five Test caps earned by the year’s end, finishing with three consecutive matches in New Zealand. He then played five games in India, where he aggravated his left toe, just before the Champions Trophy.

This injury adds complexity to how England manages their fast-bowling resources at the start of a year filled with significant Test series against India and Australia. The severity of the injury could also impact Carse’s ability to fulfill his contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, after securing a £100,000 deal during the most recent auction.

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