Just call him Joe ruthless
HARSH LESSON: Root JOE ROOT has been backed to return from the shock of being dropped for England’s T20 series decider against India.
Assistant coach Paul Farbrace also believes the manner Root was axed by skipper Eoin Morgan will help the Yorkshireman develop a more ruthless streak when it comes to his captaincy of the Test team.
Root, 27, was dropped for the first time in nearly five years when he made way for returning all-rounder Ben Stokes in Bristol on Sunday after seven innings without a half-century.
But Farbrace is confident of a positive response when he returns to the team for Thursday’s first one-day international with India at Trent Bridge.
“Every player goes through a period where you either find it tough or you’re left out the side,” he said.
“We all know that Joe’s response will be to work harder, try harder and score more runs.
“I’m sure he was bitterly disappointed but he’ll be spurred on by that and he’ll do all he can to make sure he’s ready come Thursday.”
India chased down 199 with ease to win by seven wickets, but Farbrace believes Root can learn a valuable lesson from Morgan’s ruthlessness.
He said: “It will definitely help him. I’m sure he’ll be watching the way Morgs talks to the team, the way he goes about things and makes the decisions.
“I’m sure those two will have lots of conversations about the role of being England cricket captain.”