England skipper expects to face Australia in first one-dayer

Joe Root is expected to be fit for England’s first one-day international of the series against Australia on Sunday.

Root was hospitalised with viral gastroenteritis following a scorching day four of the final Ashes Test in Sydney last week.

The Test captain showed great character to bat on the final day, but was unable to return to the crease after lunch, retiring hurt after making a gutsy half-century before the tourists were consigned to a crushing defeat to lose the series 4-0.

Limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan on Saturday revealed prolific batsman Root should be available for the opening ODI at the MCG.

“Joe should be fit to play,” said Morgan.

“He’s a versatile player who can score in any strike-rate that is required.

“He’s extremely important. He’s been a fantastic leader within the group and, on top of that, there’s the weight of runs he’s scored and the manner that he’s scored them.”

Morgan stopped short of stating what England’s line-up will be in Melbourne, but indicated Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy and Alex Hales could all play.

He said: “Our batting has been our strength over the last couple of years and we don’t want to compromise that, so it’ll be a case of picking our strongest six, plus an all-rounder possibly, or an extra seamer.”