Italy’s 42-year-old captain Wayne Madsen was left wincing in pain on his country’s T20 World Cup debut. In their campaign opener against Scotland at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Madsen put in a dive and seemed to have dislocated his left shoulder.
The incident took place in the third over of Scotland's innings. Madsen put in a dive at wide mid-on to save a boundary. He did not succeed and fell heavily on his left shoulder. He was in visible discomfort and needed immediate medical attention. There wasn't much the physio could not except take him off the field.
Madsen will take no further part in the game. He is set to undergo concussion test as well. Upon medical evaluations, it will be clear whether he will be available to play in the next clash against Nepal on February 12.
Earlier, Italy won the toss and opted to bowl first.
“We're going to have a bowl. It looks a really good wicket. Quick outfield. I think it's going to be hard to defend,” Madsen said at the coin toss.
We're really excited. There's obviously been a lot of build-up and preparation into it. And the moment's now for us. And for us as a team, it's about going out and enjoying it, expressing ourselves, and having a lot of fun.
“We haven't had the luxury of being together for a long time as a team. So the two weeks that we had in Dubai and the prep in Chennai before, we've built some confidence in the games that we've played. That's a clear ambition of the team (to win). We want to make our mark on this World Cup.”
In Madsen's absence on the field, Scotland posted a huge total of 207/4 on the board. Opener George Munsey scored 84 runs from 54 balls whereas Brandon McMullen (18-ball 41) and Michael Leask (5-ball 22) contributed with unbeaten cameos.
Madsen was made captain of the Italian side after they dropped former Australian batter Joe Burns. The Aussie batter had helped Italy secure their maiden T20 World Cup spot.
Italy vs Scotland Playing XIs -
Scotland: George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington(c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross(w), Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal, Brad Currie.
Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen(c), Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Gian Meade(w), Grant Stewart, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan, Thomas Draca.