CT 2017: Chris Woakes walks off the field after bowling just 2 overs in the opening game

Hosts England took on the exciting Bangladesh team in the opening encounter of Champions Trophy 2017 at the Kennington Oval. But things didn’t quite start in England’s favour as fast bowler Chris Woakes was forced to walk off the field after the third over of the first innings having bowled two overs.

He was struggling and couldn’t continue his stay on the field. As soon as he completed his second over the pacer was on his way back to the dressing room where the physio would address his injury and attempt to get him back on the field. It was Woakes who started the proceedings for the England team with the ball and produced a beauty on the first ball – his over was a maiden and the Bangladeshi batsmen looked tentative rather conservative in their approach.

The news from the English camp is that the right-arm pacer hurt his side and suffered a left side strain the seriousness of the injury is being assessed. Earlier, England captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and decided to bowl first on a very flat wicket which appears to be a perfect wicket for a high-scoring encounter between the two teams. England preferred chasing given the firepower in their batting lineup and would fancy their chances against the Bangladeshi bowling.

Thigh strain

The 28-year-old had to miss the third ODI of the three-match series against South Africa at home due to a thigh strain. He recovered in time for this match and gave a boost to the English team which was also elated with the complete availability of allrounder Ben Stokes.

It was former South African skipper Graeme Smith in the commentary box when Woakes set off and he revealed that the pacer was least involved in the pre-match warm-up session as well.