Joe Root hands England injury scare ahead of test against New Zealand after his right hand was injured by a ball delivered by head coach Chris Silverwood
- Despite bruising Joe Root is expected to be fit to face New Zealand at Lords
- Root is set to miss Tuesday’s outdoor nets practice session as a precaution
- Haseeb Hameed or Sam Billings could deputise for Root if he isn’t fit to play
England were given an injury scare ahead of tomorrow’s first Test against New Zealand when Joe Root was struck a painful blow on the right hand during practice at Lord’s.
The England captain immediately left the nets for treatment after being struck by a ball delivered by coach Chris Silverwood from the ‘dog-thrower’ training device.
Root then worked inside with assistant coach Paul Collingwood before returning to England’s first major outdoor practice of the summer.
Joe Root suffered a hand injury during practice ahead of the test against New Zealand at Lords
England head coach Chris Silverwood is sweating on Roots’ fitness ahead of Wednesday’s test
England said later the hand was bruised and Root may miss outdoor nets today as a precaution but he is not thought to be a doubt over facing the Kiwis in the season opener.
Root re-established himself as one of the ‘fab four’ of world batting with two double centuries and another big century against Sri Lanka and India last winter, alongside Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and his opposite number in tomorrow’s first Test Kane Williamson.
If the problem does turn out to be worse than first diagnosed England have both Haseeb Hameed and Sam Billings in reserve after they were called up following the injury to Ben Foakes that will hand James Bracey his Test debut.
Haseeb Hameed or Sam Billings (pictured) could be set to deputise if Root is not fit to play