Joe Root ensured England’s Champions Trophy campaign began in style as he scored a career-best unbeaten 133 in an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh. But the winning start came at a cost, with Chris Woakes looking set to miss the remainder of the tournament after suffering a side strain.
Woakes bowled only two overs before leaving the field and then heading for a scan after the match. England will share the results in the morning but the mood was not optimistic.
“It is a worry when he goes off the field and can’t come back on and bowl,” said Eoin Morgan, who struck 75 not out to see the target of 306 chased down with 16 balls to spare.
“He’s been very impressive for us over the last couple of years, a mainstay and a very reliable guy,” the England captain added. “Side strains are a big confidence thing. He would definitely be a loss if he couldn’t play.”
Woakes, who came into the match following a thigh problem and could now be replaced by next-in-line Steven Finn if this side strain proves serious, was not the only injury worry for England, with Root hobbling during his 10th one-day international century.
Root, who appeared in discomfort after setting off for a run on 59, said: “It looks like it is just a bit of cramp. I don’t see it as too big an issue. I have seen the medical team. They are pretty happy with it. It seemed to ease off at the back end of the innings.
“It was very satisfying to get the hundred and the team over the line. It is what you strive for as a batter to make a big contribution and be not out at the end. The most pleasing thing is that it came in a major tournament. You want to make sure you contribute to England wins but when it is in a Champions Trophy or a World Cup they mean a lot more.”
On the result, Root added: “It is a great statement of intent and it fills us with confidence going into the next game. It is a really good start and something to build on.”
As well as describing Root as the “glue in his side”, Morgan praised Alex Hales for his 95 from 86 balls and once more backed the under-pressure Jason Roy to hold his spot when England play New Zealand in Cardiff on Tuesday. The decision to drop Adil Rashid, England’s leading wicket-taker since the last World Cup, was a tactical call for Bangladesh specifically.
