Joe Root. (Photo Source: Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Joe Root has been in impeccable form in 2023, scoring 567 runs in five Test matches at an average of 81. The star batter had an epic start to the Ashes as he smashed a belligerent hundred in the first innings of the first Test at Edgbaston.
After a rare blip in the second Test, Root will have to come to the party at Headingley where the two arch-rivals meet for the third Test. A draw in any one of the three remaining Tests would be good enough for the Aussies to keep possession of the prestigious Ashes urn.
The hosts will be without the services of their vice-captain, Ollie Pope, as the right-handed batter dislocated his right shoulder while fielding in the Lord’s Test and has been ruled out for the remainder of the series. Root, who generally bats at No. 4 for England, could be moved up to No. 3 to fill in for Pope. The former England captain has said that he doesn’t have any problem batting out of his normal position.
“I’m just up for playing for England. I feel like over the past couple of years, I’ve got a very good understanding of my game and I’ve said many times before, it’s my turn now as a senior player to give back to everyone else that’s had to put up with me as captain for so long and doing it my way. I’m there to go and try and score runs in whatever position that is and try and get back into this series,” Root said in a press conference ahead of the Leeds Test as quoted by Sky Sports.
“As a batting group, I think the way we look at the game is very different to how it was 18 months ago, and for the better as well. That mindset shift I think allows you to welcome different situations, different scenarios and go and thrive in those positions and those moments. I’m sure whoever it is will relish it and try and make the most of it.”
Dan Lawerence has got that steeliness about him: Joe Root
With Pope out of the series, people are expecting Dan Lawrence to replace him in the playing XI in the upcoming games. Lawerence made his Test debut when Joe Root was the captain. The young batter played his last Test over a year ago against the West Indies. He is in the squad for the third Test and England might include him in place of the injured Pope.
Root feels that Lawrence is one of the bright prospects for England and he has the “steeliness” required to perform on the big stage.
“He’s in good form, he got 152 in the last Championship game for Essex. You’ve seen a glimpse of what he can do in Test cricket, he scored a brilliant 91 and got out off the last ball of the day in Barbados having looked nailed-on for a hundred. I think he’s got a very exciting career ahead of him whenever an opportunity arises for him.
“He’s got that steeliness about him that wants to succeed at this level and he’s got a great game to go with it and he’s an exciting prospect.”