Australia vs England: Joe Root cleared to play ODI opener

After a comprehensive Ashes victory which saw hosts Australia reclaim the urn with a 4-0 whitewash, the team from ‘Down Under’ will aim to do an encore in the upcoming limited-overs leg as well. The first ODI of the five-match series is set to be played in Melbourne tomorrow.

However, a pressing concern for Australia would be vice-captain David Warner’s health. The Aussie opener has been troubled by a stomach bug and missed the team’s final training session on Saturday. Instead, he was seen walking laps of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

England Test skipper Joe Root, who was hospitalised on the final morning of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney with gastroenteritis now looks in better health. He has been cleared to play in the ODI opener after recovering from a viral illness. Lions ODI captain Eoin Morgan confirmed the news.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the Morgan said, “Joe is good and should be fit to play tomorrow. He’s extremely important. He’s been a fantastic leader within the group and, on top of that, there’s the weight of runs he’s scored and the manner that he’s scored them.”

“He’s obviously a key part. He’s a very versatile player and can score in any strike-rate that needs to be required, given the situation,” he added

Warner not the first one to be affected by a stomach problem this season

Warner, who is currently the third best ODI batsman, has been one of the most dominant cricketers in this format of the game. Known for his sheer brute, Warner keeps the ability to decimate any bowling lineup in the world on his day.

The left-hander has scores of 156, 144, 16, 103 and 86 in his past five innings at the MCG and if he doesn’t feature in the squad, his absence will certainly be felt. The 31-year-old is the latest player to be struck down by illness in recent weeks, joining team-mates Steve Smith and Patt Cummins as well as Root, who have all been affected by stomach problems since Christmas.