Michael Vaughan expressed disappointment in Joe Root’s departure from his usual playing style in India, urging him to revert to his natural approach instead of adopting the aggressive “Bazball” style.
Michael Vaughan, former England captain, expressed disappointment with Joe Root’s performance in the ongoing Test series against India, noting that Root has been attempting to adopt England’s aggressive batting style but has failed to deliver substantial innings. Root’s highest score in the series is just 29 runs, and his dismissal in the Vizag Test garnered significant criticism.
In his column for The Telegraph, Vaughan emphasized that Root should return to his natural playing style rather than pursuing the “Bazball” approach. The former skipper also urged team management to support Root and encourage him to play according to his strengths, highlighting Root’s successful track record in Test cricket.
“The batsmen, meanwhile, look like they only have one way to play. They are in fifth gear from ball one. I don’t mind some of them playing like that because they are better for it. But Joe Root should forget it. He has 10,000 Test runs playing like Joe Root. He doesn’t need to be a Bazballer. It is time for someone in the management to put an arm around Joe and say ‘please just be yourself’. I think it’s as simple as the fact that he is too wrapped up in Bazball, the whole ethos of excitement and entertainment,” Vaughan wrote.
Vaughan also expressed concern about Joe Root’s struggle against spin bowling, suggesting that it could jeopardize England’s success in the series against India. He highlighted Root’s proficiency in playing spin and urged him to revert to his natural style, which involves staying back in the crease and playing with precision.
“This is particularly important against spin. Along with Graham Gooch, Root is the best player of spin England has ever produced. To see him bat the way he did in the second innings, that’s not Root, and it’s not the way England are going to win in India, just gifting wickets away,” Vaughan continued.
“What’s most frustrating is that he doesn’t dance down the pitch. It’s just not a shot he plays. He uses the depth of the crease. He picks up length better than anyone else, going right back onto his stumps. When it’s full, he goes right forward. The way he played on the last tour in India and Sri Lanka on spinning wickets, that’s the way he plays – really good sweep shots,” the former captain added.
England is presently enjoying a break in Abu Dhabi and is slated to resume action just in time for the 3rd Test, starting on February 15 in Rajkot.
Last Updated on February 7, 2024
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