South Africa v England: Archer, Broad & Leach continue recovery before Boxing Day Test

Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad and Jack Leach all took part in a net session on Monday in preparation for England's opening Test against South Africa.

Broad and Archer both bowled five overs at full pace without any concerns after missing the warm-ups through illness.

Captain Joe Root says England will trust the trio to decide whether they are fit to play in the first Test of four, which starts on 26 December.

They will continue to practice with the squad at Centurion on Tuesday.

Pace bowlers Archer and Broad and spinner Leach have been suffering with flu-like symptoms and did not feature as England drew their final warm-up match against South Africa A on Sunday.

They also missed the first warm-up against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI, so have not bowled in a game at all on tour.

However, they have been gradually building their workloads back up over the past 48 hours and also batted in Monday's session, before walking laps of the ground to acclimatise to rising temperatures - it is expected to reach 32C (90F) on the first day of the game.

England head coach Silverwood said the trio are "exactly where we hoped they would be".

He added: "Certainly Broady, if he tells me he's fit then I have got to believe him. He's got a lot of experience under his belt, he knows his body and knows what he needs to do during Test matches.

"Jofra as well, he's had two good days there. As long as his paces are up, he feels good and gets the practice he needs, then he is a serious contender."

Source: BBC News

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