Root backs England to respond to their loss

CAPTAIN Joe Root has demanded “a big response” from his wounded England side as they resume Ashes battle with Australia at Lord’s today.

The tourists took a 1-0 lead in the series opener at

Edgbaston, converting a first-innings deficit of 90 into a crushing 251-run win.

Root senses the pain that result inflicted on the team and anticipates a fitting reaction at the home of cricket.

The weather forecast is enough to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm but those within the dressingroom feel there is a point to prove.

“Last week will have hurt everyone. We are absolutely desperate to go and win this week and I expect nothing less,” said

Root.

“We back ourselves to perform and to come back strong. We’ve proven that we do that time and time again when we’ve been defeated, especially at home. And I’m expecting a big response from the boys.”

There will be at least two changes to the England side, with Jofra Archer set to replace the injured

James Anderson and be joined by at least by one of two left-arm options, spinner Jack Leach and swing bowler Sam Curran.

England could fit both in by removing Joe Denly from the top four and re-arranging the order, with

Curran receiving a warm tribute from his captain.

“Sam’s a brilliant talent, he’s got the ability to change the game with bat and ball, similar to Ben

Stokes,” said Root, who does not invoke his vice-captain’s talents lightly.

“His record is fantastic.

He has had a huge impact in most of the games he’s played and is a promising talent. I’m sure he will play a huge amount of Test cricket.”

As for Archer, who will make his Test debut having won as many World Cups as he has played first-class matches in the past 11 months, Root was buoyant.

“He’s certainly confident and that’s great to see in a young guy. It’s as he should be off the back of a brilliant

World Cup,” he said.

“We’re very excited to see him at the start of a journey. Things don’t seem to faze him.”