Root: We’ll take fight to Aussies

taking the fight to Australia. He was dropped during the 5-0 humiliation in 2012-14 and then ended up stricken with illness at the end of his first tour in charge as England lost 4-0 four years. Now he wants his underdogs, weakened by the absence of the veteran Anderson (right), to be brave when they take on Australia under new leadership in Pat Cummins at the Gabba. ‘I’m absolutely determined to put the record straight,’ said Root ahead of the start of the biggest battle in Test cricket, which starts at midnight UK time. ‘If you look at the last two tours performances weren’t good enough and we can only expect better. This time we’re going to try to do things differently because if we approach this series in the same way we’re likely to get similar results. It’s really important we are brave and take the game to Australia and we will have to be smart.’ Anderson’s injury is not believed to be serious and he will be rested as a precaution, with the second Test under the lights in Adelaide in mind. Root believes England’s decision to drop him for the last Test of the whitewash eight years ago has been the making of an England captain who is now ranked No 1 Test batsmen in the world. And he is backing his team-mates to make names for themselves. ‘This is where a lot of careers are defined,’ said Root. ‘It can make your name to come over here and have success. That opportunity is there for everyone to something special.’ Root was also preparing his team for an environment at the Gabba likely to be even more hostile than usual because of the lack of travelling fans. About 1,500 Queensland-based expats are expected to provide support for England. ‘They are usually phenomenal,’ said Root. ‘But I’m sure the “Brisbane Barmies” will come out in force here. We will just try to embrace the atmosphere.’