SA v ENG 2020: England captain Joe Root misses training due to a stomach bug

Root is the second-highest run-getter for England in this series.

Joe Root | Getty

England cricket team's ‘Cursed tour’ has worsened for as skipper Joe Root became the latest victim of a stomach bug.

Root missed the practice session of the England team as he felt unwell with a stomach bug. He was also unwell during the first Test but this time the bug might rule Root out of the third Test. The next match will be played at Port Elizabeth from January 16, Thursday.

SA v ENG 2020: “You don’t want yes men, do you? Broad reveals Stokes disagreed with him during on-field spat

The four-match Test series is currently level at 1-1 after two Tests and the English side has regained form after a long horrid period in the longest format of the game. The loss of their skipper will be huge for the tourists as he is their leader in the batting line-up as well and a change in leadership might also affect the recently achieved form.

To add to it, their senior pacer James Anderson has already returned home owing to a rib injury. The leaders of the batting and bowling groups missing out do not adhere well to any team.

Root will be kept in quarantine and given rest before the next Test in order to get him back to full fitness. Wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow is likely to become a stand-in captain if the 29-year-old is not fit in time.

Joe Root has scored 173 runs in 4 innings at an average of 43.25 so far in this series and his the second-highest run-getter for England.

(With inputs from Reuters)

 
 

By Sameer Deodhar - 12 Jan, 2020

    Share Via