Root’s Gabba goal
JOE ROOT insists England have got what it takes to beat the Aussies in their Gabba stronghold.
And the England skipper claims a win for his side in tonight’s Ashes opener will pile the pressure on the hosts.
The Aussies have not been beaten at the famous Brisbane venue – nicknamed The Gabbatoir for its atmosphere – in 28 matches over 29 years.
But the England captain says he has the players to record a first Ashes win there since 1986. “We are going to go out there to try and upset that record and we fully believe we are more than capable of doing that,” he said.
“It would certainly put them under a lot of pressure because they haven’t lost here for such a long period of time and that is our main goal.
“But to do that we have to make sure we are absolutely ready.
“If we get our heads around that we will be in a really good place after five days.”
England are ready to go with Jake Ball as part of a four-man pace attack after he recovered from a sprained ankle.
But they are considering changing the batting order, with Moeen Ali going in at six and Jonny Bairstow dropping down to bat one place below him.
Moeen said he had not been
told where he is batting and backed his skipper’s hopes of an early victory.
“There is genuine confidence that we can win here,” he said.
“It’s going to be tough but records are there to be broken and hopefully we can do that.
“We have guys who’ve batted well here before. It would be great to come away with a win and get a good start to the series.”
England have denied suggestions in Australia that Ben Stokes, awaiting the outcome of a police investigation into a nightclub incident in Bristol in September, is poised to join the squad.
Root has called on his players to fill the gap left by his absence, adding: “It’s very difficult to replace Ben, but rather than replacing him it’s more important the guys bring the best version of themselves out there and not try to replicate something he would do.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone to step up and do special things like Ben can.
“We’re all capable of doing it in our own way so this week is a chance for someone to go out and do that.”