Bat me where you want, Root tells England

He and Ian Bell are the leading contenders to replace Jonathan Trott at number three after the Warwickshire player left the tour because of a stress-related problem following England's comprehensive defeat in the first test in Brisbane.

Bat me where you want, Root tells England

(Reuters)

"It doesn't really matter to me," the 22-year-old Root told reporters in Adelaide ahead of the second test that starts on Thursday. "Just to represent my country regardless of opening, batting at three, five, six, it's been brilliant.

"If I get the chance to do it (bat at three) it will be a great experience. I'll just be making sure I prepare well over the next couple of days.

"Whether it be three or five I'm comfortable and confident and ready to go regardless of the situation."

Root, who opened the batting in the home Ashes series earlier this year, went in at six when England slumped to a 381-run defeat in Brisbane.

Left-armer Mitchell Johnson was the destroyer-in-chief for Australia, taking nine wickets in the match with some hostile, short-pitched bowling at the Gabba.

Root was asked if Johnson was the quickest bowler he had faced in his 12-test career.

"It was probably close to it, yeah," the Yorkshireman replied.

"It's great - that's why you play test cricket, to get into battles like that, to get into confrontations like that and try to be successful in those situations.

"Bring it on, on Thursday. It should be good fun."

(Writing by Sudipto Ganguly; editing by Tony Jimenez)


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: Reuters


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world