We put some pride back in the England team – Root
selves do we?
“It would have been nice if all the work had been done by the top order, as you always want,butitdoesn’tseemtofall likethat.Wefoundawaytoget it done today and it was very much a team effort.”
Root was desperate not to add a 5-0 defeat to his CV as well as a second series loss Down Under and that is now off the table, meaning no repeat of the 2006/07 and 2013/14 nadirs.
When England were bowled out for a dismal 68 on the third morning of the BoxingDayTest,nosuchsalvation seemed possible.
“It’s hugely important, especially on the back of the previous Test which was a really dark day for English Test cricket,” he said.
“It would have been easy to roll over and feel sorry for ourselves. The guys were trying to put some pride back in the badge and show how much they care about playing forEngland.Wedidn’twinthe Test match and were a very long way behind the game but we found a way to get a draw and that shows the character, the pride and the desire the guys feel when they put on an England shirt.”
Three of England’s top sevencarriedpainfulinjuriesinto the day’s play, Stokes battling a side strain, Bairstow with a badly hurt right thumb and JosButtlernursingafractured left index finger.
While the first two head to Hobart for the series finale uncertain of their participation, Buttler has already been ruled out and could yet struggle to make the West Indies tour in March. It is not impossible that he has even played hisfinalTest.SamBillingshas joined the squad as cover and should deputise in Tasmania.
“Jos is going to have to fly home, he won’t take any further part in the tour,” said Root.
“It’s quite a serious injury, so for him to front up as he did fromthemomenthetookthat knock shows how much he cares and how much it means for him to play in this Test team and for England.”