|| Desk Report ||

Cricketers are superstitious at the best of times but not wanting to change any aspect of their routine after a successful Test day has proved costly for England captain Joe Root.

He will be forking out on his hotel expenses after Mark Wood took five wickets in South Africa’s first innings in the fourth Test at the weekend the day after ordering room service in Root’s room.

‘He’s brought me a big bill this weekend because he got five-for on the back of having room service in my room and so we’ve had to do it every night of the game

since,’ said Root before adding ‘and he’s a typical northern lad,’ suggesting the portions were generous and the bill steep.

Just what was ordered Root and Wood would not reveal after England won the last Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on Monday to clinch a 3-1 series success.

‘We can’t, the nutritionist might be here,’ the pair told reporters after Monday’s triumph.

‘He’s been a good boy, he’s had spagbol (spaghetti bolonnaise),’ said Root. ‘Maybe a burger,’ added Wood.