ROOT’S IN FOR THE KILL

Skipper demands a ruthless streak

JOE ROOT has called on England to show their killer instinct when the deciding Test starts today.

Defeat at Leeds saw West Indies level the Investec series at one each with one to play at Lord’s.

But the England skipper wants his inconsistent side to show a ruthless streak in the third Test and send a message Down Under that Australia are in for a fight this winter.

“We were very disappointing at Headingley but it just shows that at different points Test cricket will always test you, no matter who the opposition are or how well you’ve played in previous weeks,” said Root.

Balance

“You have to go out and have that killer instinct at every opportunity – if you are slightly off the boil, it will cost you.

“We set out on every series wanting to win and of course that momentum would be great going into this winter. Ultimately we want to finish off what has been a really good summer for us.”

England have decided to recall Toby Roland-Jones at the expense of Chris Woakes, with Root admitting the Warwickshire all-rounder was probably brought back too quickly at Leeds.

“He passed all the fitness tests and seemed fit and it is difficult to balance between being physically fit and bowling the right amount in games,” added Root.

“But going into this week we have picked the side that suits conditions best and Toby deserves the opportunity.

“He knows the ground extremely well and has had some great success here over the years and is full of confidence through the way he has played this summer.”

Asked whether a fully-fit Woakes will get straight back in, Root added: “The way he has played over the last year or so and being such a focal point of our team, it is hard to look past ® that. But we’ve made a call on what side we think is going to win this week and Toby was the choice that we went with.

“You want guys putting their hands up, putting in strong performances and making it difficult to leave them out.”

With Mark Wood fit again and in Championship action with Durham, it appears that all the quick bowling slots on the Ashes tour have been filled.

Which is more than can be said for the batsmen, because although Mark Stoneman and Dawid Malan have virtually secured their places on the plane, Tom Westley needs a good showing at Lord’s to do the same. And he will be more than aware that Lancashire youngster Haseeb Hameed finally hinted at a return to form yesterday when he struck 85 not out in 81 overs in a County match against Essex.

West Indies captain Jason Holder hopes his side can keep the momentum gained from their surprise victory at Headingley last week, which levelled the series.

He also said his players were keeping an eye on the events back home, where Hurricane Irma is battering the Caribbean.

“We have everybody back home in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.

“There’s not much we can do from here but sit and pray and wish them all the best.” ENGLAND: WEST INDIES: UMPIRES: TV: