ROOT PUTS ON A POSITIVE SPIN
JOE ROOT has told his England players not to be scared of the fourth and final instalment of their trial by spin this week
– even though some have been struggling with illness.
“There’s been a bit of stuff flying around,” said skipper Root, right, of the diarrhoea that has hit the touring squad in India.
“But everyone’s trained today so we’ll try and make sure it’s not a problem. We have all the ingredients, all the pieces and the skills
to exploit and succeed in these conditions. It is important we harness that and have it in the front of our mind, and be a bit braver actually, and play with a little bit more freedom.”
Root is certainly expecting another tough spinning surface for his batsmen in Ahmedabad.
And the message was about how he believes England have what it takes to be the first team to win two Tests in India in nine years – and thereby draw the series.
“It doesn’t mean going out there and trying to slog it, or be ultra aggressive, but it is about not being scared of the conditions,” said Root.
“It is embracing them for what they are, however they turn out. It’s a fine line, especially when it’s as extreme as it has been, between being confident and pro-active and being reckless.
“That’s something that’s been encouraged, absolutely, because I don’t want guys stood at the crease scared and not having confidence in their own ability.”
Off-spinner Dom Bess, above, is set to return to the side, potentially at the expense of paceman Jofra Archer.