Joe Root brushes aside criticism
In the third Test, Joe Root was dismissed attempting a reverse-scoop off Jasprit Bumrah. The rebuke for Root back home was stinging. One writer for a British daily branded the shot “the worst, most stupid, shot in the history of England’s Test cricket”.
Joe Root has copped considerable flak for his shot selection, particularly *that* attempted reverse-scoop that he tried off Jasprit Bumrah in the third Test which saw him dismissed.
The rebuke from analysts and experts back home was stinging, with one writer for a British daily branding the shot “the worst, most stupid, shot in the history of England’s Test cricket”. It was Root’s dismissal that started their decline in the Test: the visitors lost eight wickets for 95 runs in the first innings. They eventually lost the game by 434 runs.
Root, however, insists he has no regrets over his shot selection.
“People will have their own opinions on how I’ve got out through this series and what is best for me,” Root said in a conversation on Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. “I will continue playing the way I think is best for any given situation. No-one knows my game as well as I do. The reason I’ve got to where I’ve got to is because I’ve always looked to keep trying to get better, improve and evolve. That’s got to keep happening. If you stand still in this game, with the amount of information and analysis out there, you’ll get found out. I’m not always going to get it right; I’m going to make the odd mistake.”
Root was considerably out of form coming into the fourth IND vs ENG Test, having averaged just 12.83. The Ranchi Test saw him hit some semblance of form, after scoring a first-innings century. His 122, however, was not enough to prevent India from winning the Test and sealing the series.
“I have high expectations of myself and until that last Test match I was way below where I want to be. I felt short of runs, I felt like I’d not contributed how I’d expect myself to and how I wanted to coming into the tour – it’s a part of the world I love batting in and I’ve had previous success here. I tried to just play the game in front of me. I looked at that situation and those conditions there [in Ranchi], and it didn’t need anything flamboyant. It needed someone to be a constant throughout and try to keep a calm feel to things,” he added.
In the midst of the ongoing series, where England has encountered both successes and challenges, Root’s batting technique and shot selection have come under the microscope. Critics argue that some of Root’s shot choices have been unconventional and have resulted in dismissals that could have been avoided with a more conservative approach.
In response to the criticism, Root has maintained a composed stance, stating that he will continue playing the way he does. He emphasized the importance of staying true to his natural game and not succumbing to external pressures to alter his style. Root acknowledged the need for improvement but emphasized that adaptability is key in the dynamic game of cricket.
Root, one of England’s premier batsmen, is renowned for his elegant and aggressive style of play. His ability to command the crease and dominate opposition bowlers has been a hallmark of his career. While he acknowledges the need for balance and learning from mistakes, Root remains unapologetic about his aggressive intent, asserting that it is an integral part of his batting philosophy.
The captaincy role adds an additional layer of responsibility to Root’s plate. As the leader of the team, he faces the challenge of not only shouldering the batting responsibilities but also steering the squad through strategic decisions on the field. The scrutiny on his performance intensifies, with every decision and shot scrutinized under the cricketing microscope.
Criticism is not uncommon in the world of sports, and seasoned players like Root understand the ebb and flow of public opinion. What matters most, according to Root, is maintaining a positive mindset, learning from experiences, and evolving as a player and leader. He acknowledges that cricket is a game of uncertainties, and each match presents unique challenges.
As England continues its cricketing journey, Root’s ability to lead by example and adapt to evolving situations will play a crucial role. The ongoing series serves as a testing ground for both his captaincy skills and his resilience in the face of criticism. Root’s determination to stick to his natural game despite external pressures reflects a captain who is committed to leading with conviction.
In the realm of cricket, where opinions fluctuate swiftly based on performance, Root’s response to criticism provides insight into the mindset required to navigate the challenges of international cricket. For now, the cricketing world watches with anticipation as Root leads England with his trademark style, unyielding in his commitment to playing the game on his terms.
