Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Mitchell Marsh's participation in the remainder of the 2020 Indian Premier League is in doubt.
Marsh sustained an injury during Monday's defeat to the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
He bowled just four deliveries before hurting an ankle. He later batted down the order in Hyderabad's failed pursuit of a 164-run target.
“Doesn't look great. A lot of courage from him to walk out there and try his best, but it was unfortunate. He's got to get an X-ray, hopefully it's not too bad. It doesn't look great. Obviously what you saw out there, it was quite painful, he can't put any weight on it. Fingers crossed,” said Hyderabad captain David Warner.
Warner Backs Middle Order
Warner defended the presence of Indian trio Priyam Garg, Vijay Shankar and Abhishek Sharma in the SRH middle order. The three shared just 19 runs, after opener Jonny Bairstow and sidekick had shared a 71-run alliance for the second wicket.
“We wouldn't have put them in the middle order if we didn't feel they weren't good enough. I have encouraged them to keep playing their way, and not think too much about the scenario or the situation,” he added.
“We have to really rely on our senior players to guide them out in the middle. If it so happens to be two youngsters out there, my message is just to play their natural game. At the end of the day, that is the only way you can learn.
“It can be difficult at times. You know it is pressure environment, 100 million people watching this. Just got to keep it calm, keep it simple for them.”
SRH Also Waiting on Williamson
The Sunrisers also went into the match without the injured Kane Williamson. Whether he will be fit enough for Saturday's fixture against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi remains in the balance.
Williamson captained the Sunrisers in 2019. The franchise won the IPL in 2016, after beating the Royal Challengers in the final.
This year's IPL is being played without spectators. This is being done as a preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus.