Thumb injury leaves Dhawan’s WC in doubt

India’s Shikhar Dhawan is set to discover the extent of a thumb injury that threatens the opening batsman’s ongoing participation at the World Cup.

Dhawan led India to their second straight win of the 50-over tournament with a 109ball 117 against reigning champions Australia at the Oval on Sunday but took a hit to his left thumb during the course of his innings.

Team physio Patrick Farhart is due to make a decision on the extent of Dhawan’s injury but reports in the Indian media have suggested the 33-year-old has fractured his thumb.

The left-handed batsman suffered the injury as a result of a nasty blow from a rising delivery by Australia paceman Nathan CoulterNile but still went on to complete his 17th oneday international century.

Dhawan, however, played no further part in the match after his dismissal, with substitute Ravindra Jadeja taking the field in his place as India comfortably defended their total of 352 for five to complete a 36-run victory.

The Virat Kohli-led side are up against New Zealand in Nottingham on Thursday before taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in the showpiece match of the 10-team round-robin group stage in Manchester on Sunday.