Self-isolation rule may leave Root in doubt for first Test against West Indies

London, June 6

England captain Joe Root is a doubtful starter for the first Test against the West Indies next month as he will be required to undergo seven days of self-isolation after attending the birth of his second child.

The first game of the three-Test series begins at the Aegeas Bowl from July 8 and Root’s wife is expected to deliver the baby around the same time, The Telegraph reported.

As per the guidelines from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Root will need to self-isolate for a week before rejoining the national team. However, the ECB is constantly reviewing its guidelines and the self-isolation rule may be relaxed by next month.

The Test series, to be played in a bio-secure environment to counter the COVID-19 threat, is subject to the final approval of the UK government.

The contest will also mark the return of international cricket which was suspended in March in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The first Test will be played from July 8-12 while the remaining two at Old Trafford will be held from July 16-20 and July 24-28.

The West Indies squad will arrive in the UK on June 9 and will travel to Old Trafford for quarantining and training. The venue will be their base for three weeks before they move to the Ageas Bowl for the start of the first Test. PTI