JOE TO BLAST BACK
Root wants a role in T20 plan
JOE ROOT will not give up the fight to force his way into next year’s World T20 squad – despite being told he is not needed to take on old rivals Australia.
After leaving him out of a 14-man unit for three T20 internationals against the Aussies, chief selector Ed Smith maintained “no doors were closed” for Root.
But he insisted that, as things stand, the England Test captain remains on the outside and has enough on his plate with the five-day and 50-over cricket.
Root has privately made it clear to his bosses he wants to be involved going forward towards the World T20 in India next October, believing he can do a job in Eoin Morgan’s lively side.
And he backed up those words with actions for Yorkshire, smashing two powerful knocks of 64 and 65 in consecutive days in the Vitality T20 Blast.
“At the moment we are setting up in a particular way as an eleven in T20 cricket,” said Smith.
“Joe is not in that and it is not right to have him in the squad if he is not likely to be starting.
“That could easily change as Joe is exceptionally adaptable. He could easily come back into the reckoning.”
If the door remains ajar for Root, it has appeared to swing shut in David Willey’s face for the second time just over a year after his heartbreaking axe from the 50-over World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament.
Despite making his return against Ireland and being named Man of the Series, Willey has been dumped from both T20 and ODI squads.
Smith admitted it was tough delivering the news to the left-armer that again he did not figure in England’s plans moving forward.
“It is obviously very disappointing from David’s point of view given he is playing good cricket and still has ambitions to be in the England whiteball sides,” said Smith.
“That is one of the consequences of having strength in depth. He played well against Ireland and the decision is not an easy one and he is extremely disappointed.”
Jason Roy, who pulled out of the three-match series against Pakistan with a side strain, will not be ready for the T20s with Australia.