Ashes 2017: James Anderson and Steve Smith lauded 'Brave' Joe Root

Root has been diagnosed with a stomach upset.

James Anderson | Getty Images

Joe Root –England’s Test skipper, was forced to end his innings prematurely after suffering illness overnight and got hospitalized with severe dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea after Sunday’s sweltering heat at the SCG.  

Although, the right-hander had resumed his innings on day five of the final Ashes Test but unfortunately retired after posting brilliant 58 in Sydney.

Then, Root didn't return after the break, as he handed over his media duties to Vice-captain Jimmy Anderson, who lauded his Captain for his brave approach throughout the Ashes campaign.

Although, the 27-year-old bravely fights until the end, but ended his terrible Ashes campaign with asleep in the dressing rooms when Australians were celebrating their Ashes triumph after winning Sydney Test with an innings and 123-runs, and completed their 4-0 five-Test Ashes series win against England.

As per Reuters, Anderson told media, “He was up all night with some sort of stomach bug, some gastro thing. I think the heat over the last couple of days has taken its toll. Hopefully, it's just a simple bug that a bit of sleep and a bit of rehydration will get him back to 100 percent.”

Steve Smith and Joe Root with Ashes Trophy | Reuters

The pacer further added, “He's not has any sleep, he's not eaten. He's had diarrhoea and vomiting, so I'm guessing he's not in a great state at the minute.”

Meanwhile, Australian skipper Steve Smith said of Root, “It took a lot of courage to come out and bat, you could see he was struggling a fair bit, particularly when he was running between wickets. He's a tough character so he must have been in a pretty bad way not to come out after the break.”

As Root, who is considered as one of the best batsmen of the modern era, failed to score a single ton in the Ashes series, has come under fire for some of his decisions as captain, as well as his individual show with the bat, but Anderson said his courage had illustrated his leadership in Australia.

Jimmy concluded by saying, “To get to the ground in itself is a great effort and then to strap his pads on and bat for as long as he did was a brilliant effort from him and just shows what sort of character he is. He wants to lead by example for this team. He's been a fantastic captain throughout this tour.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 08 Jan, 2018

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