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In a crucial turn of events, star English pacer James Anderson provided insights into Joe Root's injury, expressing hope that the captain would be fit to bat on day four of the second Test against India.
Root suffered a blow to his right finger while attempting a slip catch on Day 3 in Visakhapatnam.
Anderson revealed that the finger is not in great condition, and the medical team is working to ensure Root can contribute with the bat.
"His finger is not great. He took a blow in training this morning and again on the field. It's just making sure that is as good as it can be for when he bats. Hopefully tomorrow he'll turn up at the ground and be okay to hold a bat," Anderson said as quoted by ICC.
The 41-year-old emphasised the importance of Root's potential role in the second innings and assured that there are no major concerns about the injury.
"He was just making sure he could do everything he could to help us out in the second innings, just making sure it's as good as possible for tomorrow. There's a chance we will need him with the bat so it's making sure he can hold a bat," he added.
"I don't think there's concerns. It's making sure he's as good as he can be. There's no point risking it for an external blow, no point risking it further out in the middle, so it's making sure he's good enough to bat," he further added.
"Joe Root sustained an external blow to his right little finger, attempting a slip catch in the first session of day three. The England medical team will keep him off the field for the time being to treat and ice. At this stage, there is no indication of when he will return to the field," England Cricket stated in a statement while announcing Root's injury.
The former English skipper was pulled off the field to avoid further risk, and the team awaits his presence on day four, facing a challenging chase of 399 runs.