Root leadership key in getting Ashes backing
THE ‘ class and empathy’ shown by Joe Root allowed England to select the strongest possible squad for this winter’s Ashes, according to head coach Chris Silverwood.
Concerns over Australia’s Covid travel restrictions and the prospect of multiple withdrawals among the visiting side were real enough last week for the England and Wales Cricket Board to suggest the tourists may not take part in the marquee series if a group befitting the historic rivalry could not be raised.
But when Silverwood named a 17-strong party yesterday, there were no opt-outs.
Instead it was a familiar squad, albeit perhaps too familiar for those who would have liked to see the likes of uncapped Lancashire trio Liam Livingstone, Matt Parkinson or Saqib Mahmood included.
There was also the predictable disappointment of talisman Ben Stokes’ continued absence – he remains on an indefinite break from competitive cricket while prioritising his mental health and recovery from a finger injury – plus news of a worrying lower-back stress-fracture for fellow all-rounder Sam Curran.
However, the widespread willingness of
His players have got right behind him and will follow him, so will I and my staff
every available player to sign up for the contest is a feather in Root’s cap.
He has already won more Tests than any other England captain but his behind-thescenes diplomacy appears to have been a trump card during a tense time.
‘There were a lot of negotiations and one thing we did see was a lot of class from our captain. He really did lead from the front,’ said Silverwood.
‘I can’t emphasise enough how classy he was within those negotiations and the way he listened to both sides of the argument. He showed a lot of empathy and a lot of really good leadership skills to get the players to this point. His players have got behind him and will follow him, so will I and my staff.
‘What it has done is galvanise his position as a leader. All the boys have recognised that, all my staff have recognised that. It has made us all pull in behind him.’
There appears to be some wriggle room for Stokes to join up as a late arrival but considering the sensitivity of his situation, Silverwood appeared doubtful.
He added: ‘There will be no pressure from me for him to rush back. When Ben is ready, he’ll give me a call.’
ENGLAND had once dreamed of matching Australian fire with their own hostile quicks but injuries to Jofra Archer and Olly Stone means they are now looking at plan B.
Mark Wood is the solitary express pace option in a seam attack led by old stagers James Anderson and Stuart Broad on what could be their Ashes swansong. Ollie Robinson, after a breakthrough first summer in international cricket, is primed for a key role.
‘Every plan has got to be adaptable,’ said coach Chris Silverwood. ‘The one thing we have got in the bowling attack is supreme accuracy. It’s about how we get the best out of the bowling attack we have got, rather than worrying about what we haven’t got.’