South Africa vs England: Jos Buttler Affected By Illness In Early Stages Of The Tour
Published - 28 Dec 2019, 04:04 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:02 AM
In what was a big blow to England national cricket team in the early stages of their tour to South Africa, star wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler has been affected by illness. It has been said that Jos Buttler is the seventh player to be afflicted by illness on tour. England Cricket Board (ECB) selectors had a busy day at the office in naming a replacement for the players.
Earlier, Jonny Bairstow was recalled to the side in order to replace the ill Ollie Pope but now he will take the wicketkeeping duties for as long as Jos Buttler remains unavailable for the match. It should be noted that the premium fast bowlers namely Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad had to miss both warm-up fixtures due to illness.
Jack Leach, Chris Woakes and Pope made themselves unavailable for team selection for the first Test after falling sick. Mark Wood is another player who is currently under the weather.
Also, Ben Stokes was never officially diagnosed with the bug but spent the first day of the Test most part of the time off the field with dehydration. Ollie Pope has since returned to training while two non-playing cricketers of the visiting party are also afflicted by the bug.
South Africa players are not affected by illness
On the other end of the spectrum, South African players are hale and healthy as they have not been affected by illness so far. But their only concern is that their opening batsman Aiden Markram was ruled out of the Test series this morning after injuring his left ring fielder in training session on Friday morning.
Talking about the Boxing Day Test, South Africa are in firm control of the game leaving the touring party completely helpless in all facets of the game. South Africa posted a total of 284 in the first innings and in reply, England were bundled out for a mediocre 181.
In the second innings, the hosts currently have the upper hand over the visitors. South Africa have a healthy 250+ lead with five wickets in hand. Based on initial impressions, it is evident that the hosts are the favourites to win the Test match.
Read More: South Africa vs England 2019: Why England Team Players Are Wearing Black Armband?