We still call the shots says Root
AT TRENT BRIDGE seat as far as the series goes and we have to keep remembering that. We have got a little bit of time now to go away and reflect on what has been a difficult week,” he said.
“But we are a very good side at bouncing back from a tough couple of days, and one thing you can never question about this group of players is the character and the way they can respond to a difficult passage of play.
“I’m fully expecting the guys to come back to Southampton refreshed, ready to go and take an opportunity to wrap the series up.”
Root acknowledged his own form has hardly absolved him from blame with four scores in the teens following his 80 ended by a run-out at Edgbaston.
He said: “It’s very easy to look at the figures in a short space of time. I know what I’m capable of doing. I don’t feel as though I’m Bambi on ice or anything. I’m determined to get things right at Southampton. I don’t think I’m far away from making big scores.”
England will today announce their squad for the fourth Test – which begins next Thursday – and there will be minor tweaks given Jonny Bairstow’s fractured fingertip, with Buttler taking the gloves.
“We have a bit of time, but Jonny is obviously a world-class batter in good form and would warrant his place within the side as a batter,” said Root. “In terms of keeping, we are very fortunate to have Jos in the team already.”
Moeen Ali, who has been in the wider squad for all three Tests so far, looks ready to get into the XI; certainly if Bairstow is unable to play but perhaps instead for either Ollie Pope or Chris Woakes on a pitch which traditionally rewards spin. out?’” Haskell is set for another run-out for new club Northampton tomorrow night when they take on Glasgow in a pre-season friendly ahead of next week’s Premiership kick-off.
And he claims the league is on a different scale to where it was when he was a rookie at Wasps.
He added: “I remember when I first started playing, there were a couple of games you’d go and put 40 points on, you could send the second team and it was the dream. Sadly, there’s nothing like that at all any more.”
BEN CALVELEY has been appointed as the British and Irish Lions’ first full-time managing director.
He is currently chief operating officer for Six Nations Rugby Limited, on secondment from the Rugby Football Union. During the secondment he has also led the Lions’ executive team and staff.
He will take up his new role with the Lions in mid-November.