England captain Eoin Morgan has been ruled out Saturday's World Cup warm up with Australia with a broken finger.
But the inspirational leader remains confident of being fit to play in his team's World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday despite the injury scare in training.
Morgan took the blow to the tip of his left index finger that resulted in a dislocation and a 'flake fracture,' and it means Jos Buttler will skipper the side against the Aussies on the South Coast.
The 32-year-old is a doubt for the final warm up game against Afghanistan on Monday too, but an ECB statement confirmed he was expected to make a full recovery in time to play in the first game of tournament at the Oval.
Morgan picked up the injury during a fielding drill at the Ageas Bowl, taking close catches from a bowling machine fired by the coaches.
He took the blow on the tip of his left hand which is the hand where he derives his power while batting and appeared to be in some agony.
But after soaking it in ice to reduce the swelling he then headed to hospital for the X-ray that confirmed the minor break.
Morgan returned to the team hotel in the afternoon and was spotted without a splint on the area to keep it still, rather it was just tapped up to suggest that it is at the lower end of the scale.
The England squad could breathe a collective sigh of relief at the news their inspirational captain is still set to play a huge role from the start of the tournament.
Having just captained England for the 100 time, Morgan will be playing in his 200 ODI for England on Thursday and is fundamental to their chances in the tournament both as captain and top order batsman.
“He's massive,” admitted recalled spinner Liam Dawson. “The cricket that's been played over the last four years has all been led by him. Hopefully he is all fit, ready and raring to go.”
