ROOT: DON’T GET IN A SPIN

Root tells his team not to fear the pitch but to be positive and succeed where so many have failed

JOE ROOT has told his England players not to be scared of the fourth and final instalment of their trial by spin this week – even though some have been struggling with illness.

Root is fully expecting another tough, extremeturner of a track in Ahmedabad, where offspinner Dom Bess is set to return to the side – potentially at the expense of paceman Jofra Archer.

But even after coping with the diarrhoea in the camp, Root’s message is all about how he believes England have what it takes to be the first team to win two matches in India in nine years and draw the four-test series.

“There’s been a little bit of stuff flying around,” said the England skipper.

“We’ll keep monitoring it, but everyone has trained today, so we’ll try and make sure it’s not a problem.

“We have got all the ingredients, all the pieces and all the skills to exploit and succeed in these conditions.

“It is important we harness that and have it in the front of our mind, and be a bit braver actually, and play with a little bit more freedom.

“That doesn’t mean going out there and trying to slog it, or be ultra aggressive, but it is about not being scared of the conditions.

“It is embracing them for what they are, however they turn out in this game.

“It’s a fine line, especially when it’s as extreme as it has been, between being confident and pro-active and being reckless.

“That’s what we have to get on the right side of and that’s something that has been encouraged, absolutely, because I don’t want guys stood at the crease, scared and not having confidence in their own ability.”

Bess is certain to play after India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed that England could expect another spin-friendly surface which would play into the home team’s hands. But in addition to Bess and Jack Leach, England are also considering elevating either Surrey off-spinner Amar Virdi, 22, or Lancashire leggie Matt Parkinson, 24, from the reserves to make a shock Test debut.

Both men were brought on the trip for the experience and as emergency options in a Covid world, but the conditions have been so extreme that the rookies are now being considered as genuine options.

“We’ll consider our final selection closer to the game but ultimately it is about not having any baggage going into this game,” added Root.

“We know that it is a very talented group and squad of players all capable of performing out here.

“To have won six out of our last eight matches in Asia, it shows we have the tools and the ability to win in these conditions.”