England sweat over Jason Roy's fitness ahead of semi-final

England faced their first defeat of the 20-20 World Cup as they went down to South Africa by 10 runs. However, they managed to secure a berth in the semifinals on account of a healthy net run rate. The team will now take on the second qualifier from Group B . While the team will be happy how things have faired so far for them, they were dealt with a massive injury scare as opener Jason Roy pulled his calf while batting against South Africa.

The right-hand batter was in searing pain and had to retire hurt. England captain Eoin Morgan spoke about Roy’s injury during the post-match conference and admitted that the opener’s condition is not looking great. “It’s his calf. It obviously didn’t look great. And we will wait until tomorrow to see what his movement is like. Probably send him for a scan and then go from there. Apart from that, can’t tell you much,” Morgan said.

Morgan though is optimistic about Roy recovering before the semifinal. “It’s difficult to assume. Obviously, we are all hopeful that he comes through in some manner or there’s some remedy to get him through one, if not two games. But we need to do what’s best for Jason ultimately and then the team.”

Roy has so far scored 132 runs at a strike rate of 138 in the five games that he has played in the showpiece event. If Roy is ruled out of the tournament, then England have a backup in Jonny Bairstow who is also a specialist opener. The wicketkeeper-batter has opened for the team in the T20Is and is the side's first-choice opener in the 50-over format.