AUS vs ENG 2018: Joe Root likely to be available for first ODI against Australia

Root was down with illness post Sydney Test.

Root was hospitalized with illness. (Reuters)

Joe Root who had dehydration and stomach problems in the final Test in Sydney is expected to be fit in time for the ODI series opener.

he 27-year-old returned to training on Wednesday after receiving treatment for gastroenteritis, which forced him to retire hurt on the final day in the Sydney defeat that gave Australia a 4-0 Test series triumph.

“He’s obviously a lot better than he was on Monday,” England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was quoted saying by the Australian Associated Press.


“He’s up and about so I think a few more days and his bug should have gone. He’s a huge part of our side so we’re desperate for him to be fit and well. I’m sure he will rest up and try and get his energy back.”

Earlier England coach Trevor Bayliss urged Root to skip IPL keeping in mind their busy schedule this year. England will be playing Test series against Pakistan and India and thus Root getting back into form both with his health and bat is important for England's cause.

“We had that discussion a few days ago, I suggested to him that he shouldn’t play, that he should have a break,” Bayliss was quoted as saying by British media on Tuesday.

“He feels that whenever he’s had a break in the last couple of years, it’s always been a T20 series. He wants to play in 50-over World Cups and T20 World Cups.

“He thinks if he keeps missing all the T20 cricket he’s just going to fall behind and not be up to speed when those come along. There are difficult decisions to make.”

England are scheduled to play five one-day internationals against Australia followed by a Twenty20 tri-series with the hosts and New Zealand which starts on February 3.

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 11 Jan, 2018

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