The next edition of the Ashes is six weeks away and Root, who has been in incredible form in the recent past, has a golden opportunity to make an impression this time. (AP)While all eyes are on the Bazballers if they can win post their first Test series win on Australian soil since the 2010-11 tour there is plenty of scrutiny on Joe Root. For a batsman who has established himself as one of the country’s all-time greats and seen as the best of his generation, the 34-year-old is yet to score a Test century in Australia. In 27 innings, across three trips, he has scored 9 fifties, with 89 being his highest score.
The next edition of the Ashes is six weeks away and Root, who has been in incredible form in the recent past, has a golden opportunity to make an impression this time. “But I feel ready for it,” Root said of ending the rut. “Big series are the ones you want to play in and contribute in,” he added. Having been at the top of his game since the last time he visited the Australian shores, Root is now the second-highest run-getter in Tests, having overtaken Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting earlier this year with only Sachin Tendulkar above him.
However, returning to Australia will bring about its own challenges as Root has never been part of an England team that has won a Test there. “I feel I am in a different place to when I last went out there. I haven’t got the responsibility of captaincy and I am a lot more experienced. I have had a good couple of years coming in and I have learned good lessons from my previous tours there as a batter and senior player,” he told Sky Sports.
While England were whitewashed 5-0 when Root toured Australia for the first time, in the last two tours they returned home with 4-0 margin. However, this time there is plenty of hope that with their Bazball approach, England could go on to win the Test series, as Australia have been struggling on the batting front. The hosts are also likely to be without their regular captain Pat Cummins at least for the opening fixture.
“I feel that is the opportunity in front of us that we have to chase and grab. If I am doing my role in the team then personal accolades will come, but it’s not the main focus. It’s about winning that urn back as it has been a long time since we held it. I feel we have some serious resources to take out there and hit Australia with. Hopefully, we can get that right, so if I am scoring heavily, it gives us a chance,” he added.
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