International T20 Cup: Liam Livingstone in doubt to play England’s first match due to finger injury

England all-rounder Liam Livingstone is in doubt to play the team’s first match of the International T20 Cup against the West Indies after injuring his left finger during the warmup match against India. While fielding at the mid-wicket region, the all-rounder dropped a catch of Ishan Kishan and seemed to be in searing pain. He immediately left the field and will be monitored closely by the physios in the next 24 hours.

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If he is deemed to be fit then only Livingstone can play the side’s opening match against West Indies on Saturday (October 23). The 28-year-old had a good warmup game against India as he scored an enterprising 20 balls 30 runs and also managed to pick up a wicket of skipper Virat Kohli for just 11 runs. Moeen Ali, who scored 43 runs, spoke about Livingstone’s injury and said it’s just a bruising and he will be fine.

"I think he's alright," he said. "I think it's just bruising on the back of the hand, but I think he'll be fine.

"Obviously it was a bit of a scare at the time, but he said it was fine, so hopefully he's all good. He's a brilliant player - he's been playing really well over the last couple of years. Hopefully, he can carry that form into the World Cup, and I feel like it's going be a big stage for him,” Ali said according to ESPN Cricinfo.

If Livingstone is declared unfit for the opening game against West Indies, then England management has to either play one specialist batter or bowler. England will next be seen in action against New Zealand in a warmup game on Wednesday (October 20.)

Speaking about the first warmup game, England lost the match by seven wickets against India. Skipper Eoin Morgan didn't play the game, and it remains to be seen if he will play against New Zealand.