ENGLAND made their return to cricket against the West Indies following the coronavirus suspension – but Joe Root was missing.
England’s Test Series at the Rose Bowl Cricket Stadium in Southampton started without the hosts’ skipper, so where was Joe?
Why was the England captain missing the match against West Indies?
Root was forced to leave England’s bio-secure bubble in Southampton to return to Sheffield in order to be with his wife Carrie.
The England captain opted to be at Carrie’s side for the birth of their second child and had to self-isolate afterwards meaning he wasn’t able to join the hosts.
When is Joe Root expected back?
The England captain is expected to be back for the second test at Old Trafford which is due to take place from 16 July to 20 July.
Who will take the England captain’s place leading the charge?
Ben Stokes will be the stand-in skipper and received what he describes as ‘the best piece of advice’ from Joe Root as England prepare for their first test against the West Indies.
”I haven’t been given much advice, although there’s been a lot of opinions flying around.” Stokes said.
”The best message I’ve received was when I got my photos done yesterday, with the blazer.
”Rooty just left a message on the hanger which said: ‘Do it your way’.”
Stokes knows Root will be preoccupied with baby thoughts but he won’t be hesitant to go to his captain for guidance.
He went onto say: ”I’m going to be very open to opinions from other people and just because Joe isn’t here, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to use him.
”Joe has always been very open and willing to hear advice from other players so I think I would be stupid to go away from that.”
