Dhaka: England heaved a sigh of relief Sunday as their key batsman Joe Root returned to the field after suffering from an upset stomach during the third day of their second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka. 

The 25-year-old left the field in the evening session on the second day citing illness and it was uncertain whether he would take any further part in the game.

“He is fine, a stomach upset yesterday,” Danny Reuben, a spokesman for the England and Wales Cricket Board said Sunday.

As the team's ball polisher, Root is one of very few England players allowed to handle the ball when the team are in the field and very often the ball is given to him to shine before it is returned to the bowler.

According to ESPN's Cricinfo website, there is a theory that Root may have contracted the illness in his role as the ball polisher, as he often licks his fingers before transferring his saliva onto the ball. 

Root's participation is crucial in the Test match which was hanging in the balance after the end of the second day’s play.

England, who are looking to maintain their perfect record against Bangladesh, have been trailing the hosts by 128 runs at stumps.

Bangladesh resumed the play on Sunday with 152-3, looking to build on their advantage with seven wickets in hand.

Root who is ranked No. 3 Test batsman in the world was England's top-scorer in the first innings with 56 as they made 244 after bowling out Bangladesh for 220 runs.