India opener Shikhar Dhawan is set to stay back in England for the 2019 ICC World Cup while his thumb injury is monitored by the BCCI medical team.

The left-hander injured his thumb in India’s clash against Australia where he registered a fine century in his side’s 36-run win over the defending champions. Dhawan was struck early on his left thumb by a Pat Cummins delivery but continued to bat on for a 117-run knock.

Reports started to emerge on Tuesday that the India man had fractured his thumb with his participation for the remainder of the tournament in serious doubt. Now, the BCCI has confirmed that the opener will stay back in England where his injury will be continuously assessed.

“Team India opening batsman Mr Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Mr Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored,” a BCCI statement said.

No replacement player has been named for Dhawan by the BCCI with the team management still clinging on to the hope that the batsman could recover in time for the business end of the World Cup.

Once replaced, Dhawan can only return to the World Cup squad if another player is ruled out due to an injury.

India are set to take on New Zealand in their next clash of the tournament on Thursday followed by a meeting against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 16. Dhawan is more than likely to miss both the matches as he continues to be assessed.