Star England batter Joe Root found himself sidelined during the Vizag Test after a mishap in the field. His right little finger bore the brunt of a challenging catch attempt during the 18th over of India’s second innings.
Shubman Gill’s hard-handed stroke led to a thick edge that flew towards Root, positioned in the slip cordon. Although Root managed to touch the ball, he couldn’t complete the catch, and to add salt to the wound, the ball raced to the boundary, giving Gill a fortunate reprieve.
Root’s injury forced him to exit the field for the remainder of the session, and the England team conveyed uncertainty about his return. The blow to his little finger received attention from the medical team, which decided to keep him off the field for treatment and ice. As of now, there’s no definite timeline for Root’s return to action.
Will Joe Root be back for England?
While Root hasn’t set the series ablaze with his batting performances, he has played a crucial role for England with his off-breaks, causing headaches for the Indian batsmen. In the Hyderabad Test, he demonstrated his bowling prowess by taking 4-79 and 1-41 in the first and second innings, respectively. Despite the injury setback, Root’s contributions with the ball have proven valuable for the English side.
In Visakhapatnam, Root showcased his versatility by opening the bowling in the first innings of the ongoing Test match. This move made him the most experienced of England’s four spinners on the field. Interestingly, since 1921, the last English spinner to open the bowling in the first innings of a men’s Test match before Root was Jack Leach.
Although Root’s impact with the bat might not have been as significant in this series, his presence on the field remains vital for England’s strategies against India. The uncertainty surrounding his injury adds an element of suspense as fans await his return to the action-packed cricket arena.
