England Captain Joe Root will NOT  return to the crease at the beginning of the fifth day after suffering from severe dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea. Root remains in hospital with Moeen Ali to join Jonny Bairstow in the middle – it is yet to be confirmed whether Root will bat later in the day if required.

Root was taken to hospital after play on Day 4 with the skipper fielding and batting in the scorching 42 degree heat at the SCG.

England have released a statement on the matter and will give an update on his condition before play today.

“Joe Root is currently in hospital. Severely dehydrated with diarrhoea and vomiting. I will give a further update later on whether he will be fit to resume this morning,” an England statement read.

It is a huge blow for the tourists with the skipper not out on 42 as England look to save themselves from a likely 4-0 defeat on day 5.

We will keep you updated throughout the afternoon.

England skipper Joe Root — 42* — has been taken to hospital with severe dehydration.

Latest details from the ground when we’re on-air from 10AM.

— Macquarie Cricket (@MRNCricket) January 7, 2018