Joe Root stayed at the team hotel while the players sweated it out on the field for the third Test of the four-match series which will begin on January 22.
England's Joe Root walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal by South Africa's Anrich Nortje during the first day of the second Test cricket match between South Africa and England at the Newlands stadium in Cape Town on January 3, 2020. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP)
England captain Joe Root missed Sunday’s practice session due to a stomach bug ahead of the third Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth Stadium.
According to a BBC report via IANS, Root stayed at the team hotel while the players sweated it out on the field for the third Test of the four-match series which will begin on January 22.
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Earlier during the first Test Root had complained and left the field shortly after the start of third day’s play at the Supersport Park in Centurion with a fever and complaining about stomach problems.
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England’s tour to South Africa has seen many players getting affected by illness with Rory Burns and James Anderson ruled out with injuries.
Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes and Jack Leach were ruled out of the 107-run first-Test defeat in Centurion, while Root, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes spent time off the field.
Influenza affected the visitors heavily since they landed in South Africa on December 14 with several players and staff falling ill. Bowlers, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad and Jack Leech missed the two warm-up games due to illness, while Leech’s treatment continued even after the first Test began on December 26.
Pope had also fallen ill and missed the chance to play the first Test, while Broad and Archer recovered in time for selection.
The four-match series is locked 1-1 after England’s 189-run win in Cape Town.
(With IANS inputs)
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