Jofra strain means pace plans not set in Stone
an Ashes opener is a potential minefield and Root will pass through without several big names.
England are to field a freshlooking side for the four-day Test, which begins today, with two debutants in opening batsman Jason Roy and fast bowler Olly Stone.
Spinner Jack Leach, Rory Burns and Joe Denly will also make home Test debuts.
With Jimmy Anderson rested due to a calf injury, and Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler taking time off, much is expected of Root, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali with the bat and Stuart Broad with the ball.
Even allowing for the absentees, it would be a major surprise and a RHB and right-arm legspin
6 matches, 504 runs at 56.00
197 matches, average 38.83, SR 82.11, tons 29 2 Tests, runs 112 at 28.00 significant blow if England do not breeze past an ageing Ireland outfit before moving on to Edgbaston next week for the first Test against Australia.
Root’s feet have hardly touched the ground since the World Cup final, with a Downing Street reception the day after their staggering win over New Zealand followed by a two-day, pre-Ashes camp last weekend.
“We knew after such an emotional final that it was Right-hand bat
81 matches, average 38.38, SR 82.11, tons 9 No Tests Left-arm orthodox spin 8 matches, 29 wickets at 19.00 80 matches, 270 wickets at 25.19, 19x5wkts, 3x10wkts
4 Tests, 20 wickets at 24.90 1x5wkts important we got our heads around what was to come,” said Root.
“We addressed it very early at the camp and feel everyone’s very aware of the challenges ahead of us.
“We’re lucky to have guys who are fresh, ready and full of energy to help out. There’s a huge amount of confidence coming off the back of that victory.
“It’s something we’ve got to ride the wave of, and capitalise on, going into what are six huge Tests.” Roy’s Right-arm fast 2 matches, 7 wickets at 38.57 36 matches, 123 wickets at 25.03 6x5wkts, 3x10wkts No Tests Left-hand bat
8 matches, 603 runs at 37.68
122 matches, average 42.79, SR 49.38, tons 16 6 Tests, 300 runs at 25.00 first dip into Test cricket – and his potential partnership with Surrey team-mate Rory Burns at the top of the order – is the most significant audition for the remainder of the summer.
“I want him to be himself,” said Root. “I want him to express himself and trust his instincts.
“He’ll bring something different to our batting. In the World Cup there were times when he was able to soak up pressure and trust his defence.
“It might be that he has to draw that out for longer in Test cricket, but there are times when he can put pressure on the opposition. He is one of the best in the world at doing that.” ENGLAND fans may have to wait until the second Ashes Test to see the name ‘Archer’ printed across the back of their new-look white shirts.
But a side injury to the star of the World Cup Super Over – as well as the ongoing calf niggle for Jimmy Anderson – will allow supporters to get a glimpse of England’s latest 90mph pacer in the shape of Olly Stone.
The Warwickshire quick, 25, will get the chance to stake a claim as the chief Ashes back-up for an area in which captain Joe Root insists England are starting to look strong.
Root said: “Olly has got good pace and that extra bit of pace gives something different to turn to so it’ll be a good opportunity to see him play this week.
“It’s a bit like London buses – we’ve been a while without guys bowling at that pace and now we are blessed with three guys in particular that offer the attack something very different.
“It is something especially away from home I see as being a massive advantage and long-term it is great to see those options coming to the fore, and it is great to see those options give different types of bowlers to turn to.”
Root made no attempt to disguise the fact he could not wait to unleash Archer, above, on Australia, with fellow World Cup quick Mark Wood targeting the fourth Test for his comeback from a side strain.
Root said: “He has shown he can perform in international cricket, his record is good for Sussex with the red ball.
“But we will have to wait and see. Of course you want as many options going into the Ashes but there are certain things you can’t control.
“Most importantly for someone like Jofra, you have to make sure he’s absolutely right and ready to go.”
Archer, 24, is currently on holiday in his native Barbados but is being closely monitored by England management to keep him fit and in contention for the Ashes.