Joe Root has pulled out of the upcoming tri-nation series against Australia and New Zealand in order to rest, the ECB announced on Monday (January 22). No replacement has been called in yet.
Having played in each of the five-match Ashes Test series, the English skipper will now return back home for a break after the ongoing ODIs against Australia, and join the team back for the five-match ODI series in New Zealand, starting February 25.
“I came into this tour wanting to play everything. I love playing for England and I don’t like missing games of cricket,” Root said. “I had a long chat with Trevor Bayliss about things and there’s obviously a big summer ahead and a lot of cricket still to be played. It’s going to be really important to make sure that I’m available for all of that.
“The decision has been made to have a little break. I’m sure when I’m at home I will be sat watching and willing the lads on.”
England begin their campaign against Australia in Hobart on February 7, prior to which they have a warm-up T20 scheduled in Canberra against Prime Minister’s XI.
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