That issue – a blister that required stitches and saw Carse miss a chunk of the recent India tour – is believed to have flared up once more, with the 29-year-old missing when England were put through their paces two days out from facing Afghanistan.
Conversely, the management may need to take a long term view on Carse, with the fast bowler impressing during his first winter of Test cricket and 2025 featuring marquee series against India and Australia.
If Carse is ruled out of the tournament – and that may be just two more games should another defeat follow – the selectors will need to apply to the International Cricket Council’s event technical committee for a replacement to be flown out.
Brydon Carse appears set to be ruled out for England’s must-win game against Afghanistan this week – and possibly the remainder of their Champions Trophy campaign – after being a notable absentee at training on Monday.
Should England progress to the semi-finals – something that will still require wins against Afghanistan, and then South Africa on Saturday – they could find themselves playing in Dubai, a ground that requires more slow bowling options.
