ROOT BATTLING TO PROVE HIS T20 WORTH

JOE ROOT will crank up his World Cup preparations at the Oval tomorrow satisfied he has taken another step towards establishing his credentials for next year’s World Twenty20. Sunday’s 20-over victory against Pakistan was more about gaining momentum for the 50-over World Cup but it also allowed Root to stake his claim for a place in England’s T20 team. His 47 off 42 balls in a sevenwicket win in Cardiff was more of a 50 than 20-over innings but it showed there remains a place for the 28-year-old at next year’s World T20 in Australia. ‘At some point time will catch up with me and I won’t have any cricket left in me,’ said Root before the first of five 50-over games against Pakistan. ‘I want to play as much as I can in every format. I don’t play a huge amount of T20 cricket so it’s about learning on my feet and trying to adapt my style. ‘Hopefully I can complement the other guys. I want to take every opportunity I can to help England win games.’ England did just that with a depleted team in the first two games of their biggest season in memory, and now welcome back seven players who missed the trips to Ireland and Wales either through injury or being rested. Jason Roy, who has had hamstring and back injuries this season, trained yesterday and should be able to face Pakistan tomorrow. Mark Wood is easing his fragile left ankle back into action and Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes should all return. The squad also now includes Jofra Archer, who made a good impression in his first two England appearances. ‘He makes things happen and he hurried a few of the guys in Cardiff,’ said Root. ‘It’ll be interesting to see how he goes in the next few games.’