England cricketer Joe Root is expected to be fit enough to bat in the England's fourth innings as they attempt to chase a record 399 against India in the second Test match of the five-match series at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Notably, Root was off the field for medical attention after injuring his little finger while attempting to take a catch in the slips during the first session of Day three.
While Root missed out on most of the day's play and was nursing his damaged finger, a statement from his teammate suggests that the right-handed batter should be able to bat when his turn comes in the final innings of the Test. Even though Root's absence meant the Three Lions were short of a bowling option with him having taken 5 wickets in the Hyderabad Test and skipper Ben Stokes still playing as a specialist batter, England bowled India out for 255 to have a remote chance of winning the fixture.
It’s just making sure Root's Injury is as good as it can be for when he bats: James Anderson
Meanwhile, England speedster James Anderson clarified that it was more of a precautionary measure for Root to remain off the field after taking a blow to his finger.
"His finger is not great. He took a blow in training this morning and again on the field. It’s just making sure that is as good as it can be for when he bats. Hopefully tomorrow he’ll turn up at the ground and be OK to hold a bat," the 41-year-old told TNT Sport after the end of Day 3 of IND vs ENG 2nd Test.
"He was just making sure he could do everything he could to help us out in the second innings, just making sure it's as good as possible for tomorrow. There's a chance we will need him with the bat so it's making sure he can hold a bat," the right-arm fast bowler added.
"I don't think there's concerns. It's making sure he's as good as he can be. There's no point risking it for an external blow, no point risking it further out in the middle, so it's making sure he's good enough to bat."