Brandon King Injury Update: Will West Indies Opener Play in T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Match vs USA?

Add as a preferred source on Google

With an aim to keep semi-final hopes alive, West Indies will face USA in a crucial T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match on Friday (June 21) at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Rovman Powell's West Indies suffered a defeat to defending champions England in their Super 8 opener on Wednesday (June 19). The co-hosts did not only lose the contest, but the Men in Maroon also lost key opener Brandon King to injury in the match.

King, who looked good at 23 off 13 balls, was helped off the ground during the West Indies and did not return to the field in England's run chase. The right-handed batter suffered a side strain, which saw the West Indies medical team quickly attend to the injured player.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) took to social media to give an update on the injury King's during the game by posting, "Brandon King has suffered a side strain and will not return to the field of play in this evenings match."

There were reports doing the rounds that King's tournament may be over. But there is no official word on him being completely ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2024. So, let's take a look if he has a chance to play any part in USA vs WI T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match:

Will Brandon King play for West Indies against USA in T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Match 6?

As it stands, the chances of King featuring in the clash with USA remain bleak. In their most recent Brandon King injury update, CWI has revealed that the opening batter travelled with the squad, but needed further scans to assess the extent of the injruy.

"West Indies opening batsman, Brandon King travelled with the squad to Barbados today and has undergone scans to assess the injury he suffered during last night's match against England in Saint Lucia," CWI posted on X.

The CWI then added that they are awaiting the results of the MRI scans and wished King a speedy recovery as they aim for a win to keep their hopes of winning a T20 World Cup at home alive.

"We are awaiting the results of the MRI scans from the CWI Medical Team. Everyone at CWI wishes Brandon a speedy recovery," CWI further added, hinting that King could miss the game against USA with just under 24 hours left for the game.

If King indeed fails to be fit in time for the West Indies vs USA match or the remainder of the tournament, then Windies will need to make a decision on who comes in to replace the opener, who has amassed 86 runs with a best of 34 at a strike of 126.

Who will replace Brandon King in West Indies playing 11?

From the current squad, either Shai Hope or Shimron Hetmyer can come in to the playing 11 to fill King's void. Hope can open alongside Johnson Charles, while Hetmyer can come in as a middle order batter. Hope is likely to win the vote due to his ability to open.

If King is going to be ruled out, West Indies have Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Matthew Forde in their reserves. Mayers and Fletcher will be like-for-like replacements should Windies need a replacement for the remainder of the tournament.

After the clash against USA, West Indies will take on South Africa in their final Super 8 match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday (June 23).