Cricket

IND vs ENG 2024: Not sure if Joe Root needs to play Bazball, says Mitchell Johnson

Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson feels Joe Root doesn’t need to play Bazball to get the best out of himself. Before the start of the Ranchi Test, Root could only manage 77 runs in the first three Test matches at an average of 12.83 and thus he failed to deliver the goods for the visitors.

The veteran batter was dismissed while trying to play a big shot in the second innings at Vizag against Ravichandran Ashwin.

Similarly, Root was dismissed while trying to play a reverse scoop against Jasprit Bumrah in the first innings at Rajkot. Ergo, Root’s aggressive shot selection had come under scrutiny.

However, the veteran batter was able to prove his mettle as he scored an unbeaten knock of 122 in Ranchi. The visitors were 112-5 but Root batted at the top of his game to help his team get out of the hole. Root went on to score his 31st Test century and added crucial runs with the lower order.

Mitchell Johnson wrote in his column for Nightly, “Joe Root has been the talk of the cricket world with what would seem a reckless shot choice.”

“His captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have defended it — as you would expect. McCullum also defended the way Root has been going about it in this new regime.”

“Root is their Smith or Marnus Labuschagne. He is a more correct player. Someone who needs to get himself in, watch the ball and leave it when required,” said Johnson.

Johnson added that Root needs to find the right balance between aggression and defense. Root has scored almost 12000 Test runs and he is at his best when bats in an orthodox way.

“I said this during the Ashes series: It’s not a new thing to be aggressive as a batting unit. If England find the right balance of when to be aggressive and take on an attack and when to defend, they will be in a better place.”

“Again, it’s what I saw playing at first-class level and what I saw watching the Aussies in the 1990s and 2000s.”

“Joe Root has been one of the best for a very long time. I’m not sure he needs to play Bazball, especially when they have plenty of out-and-out attacking players in the team,” said Johnson.

The fifth and final Test match will be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala from March 7.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Irfan Pathan opens up on India’s playing 11 changes for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels the Indian fast bowlers would be tired ahead of… Read More

July 31, 2025

Dhruv Jurel’s childhood coach reveals Gautam Gambhir’s inspiring chat with wicket-keeper ahead of 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test

With Dhruv Jurel all set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match… Read More

July 31, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja to bat at no.5 in 5th Test against England

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels Ravindra Jadeja can bat at number five in the… Read More

July 30, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Shubman Gill’s century in ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on captain Shubman Gill for continuing… Read More

July 30, 2025

Shubman Gill rates Manchester hundred as most pleasing ahead of 5th Test against England

Former Indian captain Shubman Gill has rated the Old Trafford century as the most pleasing… Read More

July 29, 2025

Brad Haddin backs England to win final Test match against India in Anderson-Tendulkar series

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Brad Haddin has backed England to win the fifth and final… Read More

July 29, 2025