England look up to ‘positive’ Root against South Africa
Joe Root says he feels excited by the prospect of finally leading England in a Test on the eve of the South Africa series opener at Lord’s.
Months of waiting will come to an end on Thursday for the 26-year-old Yorkshire batsman, who was named as Alastair Cook’s successor as Test captain back in February.
England, however, have been concentrating on limited overs action since then but Thursday’s match, the first of a four-Test series, will mark their return to red-ball cricket. “I’m very excited,” Root told reporters at Lord’s on Wednesday. “For it to finally come round has made it feel a little bit more real. I just want to get out there.”
Root confirmed that Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson would play on Thursday.
Meanwhile recalled batsman Gary Ballance will come in at number three, the new skipper at four and their Yorkshire teammate Jonny Bairstow at five.
“I have had a long time to think about a few things since becoming captain and that is the decision I have made,” said Root. “I think it is where I play my best cricket.”
DAWSON INCLUSION
Dawson’s inclusion means that, for the second year in a row, uncapped paceman Toby RolandJones has missed out on the chance of making a Test debut at his Middlesex home ground.
This match will be left-armer Dawson’s first Test on home soil after he made a debut in an innings and 75-run defeat by India at Chennai in December.
The 27-year-old Dawson made an unbeaten 66 in that match and also took two for 129 in 43 overs, conceding on average just three runs an over.
“When he came into the side he bowled with great control,” said Root of Dawson. “He looked very at home and he will complement the rest of the attack as well.”