ANDERSON & WOOD ON A FAST TRACK TO RECOVERY
JOE ROOT’S full focus will be on two Test matches in New Zealand over the next two weeks, but he would be forgiven for casting a curious eye across to South Africa in the middle of it all.
While Root has a perfectly capable squad of players to choose from out here, he knows that both James Anderson (below, top) and Mark Wood (below, bottom) could add more firepower and they will be at a pace bowling camp in Potchefstroom at the start of December. Joining them will be Olly Stone, Craig Overton and Ollie Robinson, while Jonny Bairstow will be the batsman facing up to the challenge.
“Jimmy and Woody are working very hard and getting overs in their legs,” said Root. “They are currently in Spain. Not on holiday, but working on their bowling.
“They’ll go out to Potch to further that fitness and, hopefully, by the end of this tour they will be fit and available for selection.”
There is also the important matter of Moeen Ali who is currently taking a break from Test cricket, with the England hierarchy keen for that break not to become permanent.
With another tour to Sri Lanka to come in March, followed by a five-Test challenge in India next winter, Root knows Moeen’s value to his side.
“I see Moeen as someone who can offer a huge amount to this team,” added Root. “He made a decision he wanted a bit of a break from Test cricket and sometimes you do need that.
“You need to freshen your mind up, keep that hunger and desire and I know that we’ll have that conversation with him again, probably in the next couple of weeks.
“When he’s on form and playing well he offers so much. He’s got to be comfortable and ready to come back to Test cricket but we’re very open to that, for sure.”