IND vs ENG: Joe Root optimistic of England's chances with return of Stokes and Archer

The return of talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes and arguably the most feared fast bowler currently in the circuit Jofra Archer, will be a major boost for England in India tour, feels skipper Joe Root. Stokes and Archer aren’t part of England’s squad for the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka as the team management decided to rotate players accordingly in order to give them sufficient rest during the COVID-19 pandemic. England are currently 1-0 ahead in the two-match series against Sri Lanka. 

The conclusion of the series will see England travelling to India for a long tour comprising of 4 Tests, 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is. Joe Root who scored a magnificent 228 in the opening Test against the islanders is optimistic of England’s chances in the Test series against India despite their historic series win Down Under. 

"I expect India to be full of confidence and in their own conditions, they are a very good team. They play some very good cricket," Root told reporters from Galle.

"We have to be at our absolute best. But that's an exciting prospect for us, a great opportunity for us, it's a great way to aid our development as a side.

"And we will be going there fully expecting to try and win that series. But we have got a lot of hard work to do before we get there. We got a big Test match here."

Root played a stellar knock in the opening Test and was instrumental in leading his team to a comprehensive win. They are already shuffling with their pace battery but the return of Stokes and Archer who are two pivotal members of the England squad excites Root. England is slated to announce their squad for the Test series against India on Thursday.

"You speak to any side in the world, those two guys coming back into it would give the squad a huge boost and it's certainly the case for us," said Root.

"We (will be) excited to see them back in and around the squad. Hopefully, they are full of energy and ready to go when they get here." Root feels that it is very important for the players to get adequate rest in the current bio-bubble life. Meanwhile, India is also slated to host the upcoming T20 World Cup later this year which makes this year a very hectic one.

"It's a huge year of Test cricket and also a World Cup, a lot of one-day cricket alongside. We're going to have to look after players," said Root.

"It's crucial we've got guys who are fit and raring to go, physically and mentally, for everything that's going to be thrown at us in the next 12 months," Root concluded. 

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