SYDNEY, Jan 8 : Captain Joe Root took charge of England’s rearguard action despite being treated in hospital overnight for gastroenteritis and helped the tourists to 144 for five at lunch on the final day of the fifth Ashes test.
The 27-year-old, whose illness allowed a 43-ball cameo for Mooen Ali, reached the break on 58 not out with Jonny Bairstow unbeaten on 38 alongside him and England still 159 runs from forcing Australia to bat again.
England’s best hope remains a face-saving second draw of the series after Australia ensured the return of the Ashes with victories in the first three tests of the five-match series.
Root was 42 not out at close of play on day four but experienced diarrhoea and vomiting overnight and was taken to hospital.
England initially said he was treated for severe dehydration but later revised the diagnosis to viral gastroenteritis that had nothing to do with Sunday’s high temperatures at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
(Agencies)
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