Xtra Time Web Desk: England test captain Joe Root suffered an injury to his right hand during the team’s training session at Lords on Monday. The injury to Root will leave the England team management in a concern with just 24 hours remaining for the first test match against BlackCaps. Root was struck by a ball thrown by England Head Coach Chris Silverwood during the practice session.
Root immediately rushed to the change room for treatment. He did not return back to the field later nor did he take part in any drills. It was later revealed that he was struck by a ball thrown using the “dog thrower” training device. The blow had left him bruised on the right hand, his predominant hand for batting.
Later the England team management revealed that Joe Root would miss Tuesday’s major practice session ahead of the 1st Test as “a precaution”. However, it is unlikely that he would miss the 1st match. In case, he does, Sam Billings would lead the side against New Zealand.
England are already weakened by the absence of Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Jofra Archer. It would be a body blow if Root also misses the first test due to injury. The England captain has been in stupendous form this season scoring almost 800 runs in 12 innings at an average almost 67. Root is also the leading run scorer in test cricket in 2021. He has scored two double hundreds, one against Sri Lanka and the other against India at Chennai in the first test.