AT FULL STRETCH
Root needs demoralised squad to dig deep and show they have right character to prolong Test match career
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JOE ROOT is looking for a response to adversity from team-mates playing for their places over the next two games.
As long as he continues as captain, Root will have decisions to make on who he will want alongside him after this Ashes series is done and dusted.
There is clearly a rebuilding job for England to do, and those out here in Australia will automatically be given the first chance to prove themselves.
Root wants to see the kind of character they have by the way they react to going 3-0 down, the majority of the England coaches being unavailable and Covid causing relentless disruption.
“It’s a chance for the players to step up,” said Root.
“And you can learn a lot about your team in situations like this and I really hope the guys respond this week. Can we be brave enough? Can a couple of guys stand up and take that opportunity to really cement their spots in the team and put that care and emotion about playing for England into performances?
“These last two games are a big opportunity for guys to do just that.
“More than anything we’ve got to find a way of individually motivating ourselves.”
Much like the rest of the tour, these were fine words with the right sentiment from Root, who is becoming a dab hand at trying to gee up his men from positions of weakness because he has had so much experience of it.
We have heard it all before, and so have his team. Which is why it is hard to see anything different emerging from this week in Sydney.
From the outside looking in, the players appear absolutely done in. Their training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground two days out had the air of a Tuesday night practice at the local club. They have been
through the wringer on and off the field with the spectre of Covid hanging over their every move. It is physically and emotionally draining.
With several families now having left the tour because of coronavirus fears, and with coaches starting to return to the group from day one onwards, perhaps their full focus will fire them to something special during this fourth Test, but it will take some doing.
There have been more moments of glory at the SCG for England than at any other stadium across Australia, with 22 wins in the bank, including the finale of 2010/11 and the Andy Caddick-inspired victory of 2003 when he claimed 7-94.
Something similar this time around would do Root just fine as he goes into battle for the 13th Test Down Under still searching for that elusive first win.
“If you look at 10/11, winning here and how special that was, it will live long in the memory of fans and players,” he added. “It’s a venue where a number of special things have happened for England players and it’s an opportunity for this group to do just that.
“I’d love to be able to walk away from here with, more than anything, a win.
“Personal goals make you proud and it means you are pulling your weight and giving your team a good chance of winning.
“But nothing compares to winning a Test match – and I’m desperate to do that.”