South Africa v England: Root all set to move up if Roy is sidelined

Roy sat out the remainder of England’s practice session at the Mangaung Oval, two days before the start of their series against South Africa, after hurting his back in the warm-up session.

England expect him to be able to bat today, something he must do if he is to open the innings.

Should Roy’s back problem persist, England’s most obvious contingencies are to either promote James Taylor up a position from No 3, with Joe Root back to reclaim that spot, or push World Cup opener Moeen Ali up the order again.

England’s hosts have been left with much to ponder, too, after a raft of injuries to their pace attack. Their latest move is to call David Wiese into the squad for the first two matches, in Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth.

Wiese, like Marchant de Lange who was added to the squad 24 hours earlier, had little joy against England for South Africa A in Kimberley on Saturday when he finished with 2-73 in a 163-run defeat.

The 30-year-old, who played three ODIs against New Zealand in August last year, joins De Lange in the squad after initial injuries for Dale Steyn and Kyle Abbott and then Albie Morkel’s back spasm.

Veteran bowling all-rounder Morkel may yet be fit for the final three matches.

All-rounder JP Duminy insists the hosts are still in good shape after winning the recent series in India.