Wood, however, said the continued ban on cricket around the country doesn't make sense when the lockdown has been eased.

Root is slated to miss the first Test against West Indies and hence backed vice-captain Stokes to lead the side in his absence. 

Gabriel is in the reserves for the squad that will tour England for a three-match Test series, which will be the first since the cricket calendar grinded to a halt in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Shannon Gabriel and Joe Root were involved in an altercation during England's tour of West Indies in 2019.

Root is expecting the arrival of his second child in July and he could miss a match or two to be with his wife Carrie and also to maintain the bio-security protocols to tackle COVID-19.

Root also said that the fast bowlers are practicing in the nets without saliva but they will get to know the real effects only when they play the matches.

Root is a doubtful starter for the first Test in July as he will be required to undergo seven days of self-isolation after attending the birth of his second child.

If Root had any concern pertaining to the fitness and prowess of his pacers, Broad's snorter of a delivery at the nets against him must have calmed his nerves. 

The three-time Ashes winner drew experience from his short captaincy stint in 2008 and hence reckons that Jos Buttler would be a better option. 

Root is slated to miss the Windies opener as his wife is due to give birth to their second child. In his absence, the responsibility of leading the team will go to Stokes who is presently the vice-captain of the team.

Joe Root, who has not missed a Test since being appointed skipper in 2017, confirmed he will be at the birth regardless of the knock-on cricketing implications and also endorsed Ben Stokes to lead the side, who would have to step in he is unavailable.

Root is looking to gear up for the impending Test series against West Indies which will begin from July 8 in Hampshire. 

The Anil Kumble-led ICC committee has recommended banning the use of saliva to shine the ball when play resumes due to the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Citing example of Test cricket, Root has stated if it cannot be played at its best form then it won't do justice to the integrity of game

Joe Root has revealed that he has faced a variety of sledges in his cricketing career, including comparison with American comedian and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres for his looks.

Speculation is rife that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is mulling pay cuts for its centrally-contracted players like Root and Jos Buttler. However, Root is not stressing about it at the moment.

 In the message, Root pleaded people to only leave home to but essential food or medicine.  

There have been cases of coronavirus in Sri Lanka and England are not expecting the team to be affected by the outbreak. 

England are scheduled to play two Test matches in Sri Lanka from March 19 to 31. Before that, the Three Lions will play two practice matches as well.

They all received their awards from the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William and were rewarded for England's maiden World Cup win in 2019 at home.