Ashes 2017/18: Joe Root likely to be fit for first ODI

What's the story?

England Test skipper Joe Root is likely to be fit to play the ODI series opener against Australia in Melbourne on Sunday, January 14.

Root was hospitalised after being retired hurt on the final day of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, following bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea.

“He’s obviously a lot better than he was on Monday,” England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler told 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.”

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Although the 27-year-old, returned to training on Wednesday, he is still feeling the after-effects of the stomach bug.

Root had spent six hours on the field in record-breaking Sydney heat on Sunday and had to undergo treatment for gastroenteritis.

The heart of the matter

Root’s illness forced him off the field on Monday, while he was batting on 58, to save the final Test.

Consequently, England were all-out on 180 and Australia won by an innings and 123 runs, claiming the five-match Test series 4-0.

What’s next?

England are scheduled to play five ODIs against Australia followed by a T20I tri-series with the hosts and New Zealand which starts on February 3.

Seven players, who were a part of England's Test team, have been named in the ODI squad as well.

Root is not expected to play in England’s warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI on Thursday, but team officials say he’s currently recovering well enough to take his place for Sunday’s game.

Author’s take

After a serious drubbing at the hands of the hosts in the Test series, the touring party would like to see a reversal in fortunes in the limited-overs format.

Although Root got off to a few good starts, he could not convert them into big hundreds as England lost the iconic Ashes urn to Australia.

England have won just one ODI series in Australia since 1986-87 and Root would like to get some runs under his belt and win a few games to prepare himself for 2019 ICC World Cup at home.