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In what may come as a much needed breather for Joe Root, England head coach Chris Silverwood confirmed that bowling veterans James Anderson and Stuart Broad are both "fit and ready" for the second Test of Ashes series. Notably, both the players missed the first Test, where visitors were thrashed in all department by the hosts.
"Broad and Anderson is still among the best in the business and they've great skills with the pink ball as well. They are available, yes. Jimmy will be fit and ready to go for the second Test, as will Stuart", Silverwood was quoted saying.
However, the inclusion of both the players is still not confirmed as the head coach didn't clear the air in that aspect.
"I have not told anyone they are playing yet. The guys have already been training with the pink ball behind the scenes. And what we have got is a very skillful set of bowlers. We have talent and we still have two of the best up our sleeve as well", a part of his statement read.
Notably, Root and Silverwood were heavily criticised for dropping the veterans as their absence was a major miss in the first Test. Both the players are regarded as one of the best in Test cricket and have capacity to play a vital role in England whites. Anderson is the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket. He is the only pacer with over 600 Test wickets. His compatriot Broad is only behind him and Glenn McGrath in terms of wickets.
The second Test of Ashes will start from 16 December at the Adelaide Oval, and will be the first day-night match of the ongoing series. Whereas, Australia have an impressive record at the ground as they are yet to lose a single day-night match, including the last Ashes clash in 2017/18.