Trott Lauds Root’s Refined Batting Approach

MANCHESTER: Jonathan Trott, the former England cricketer and current head coach for Afghanistan, commended Joe Root’s exceptional performance in the recent fourth Test against India, attributing it to Root’s maturity and enhanced technique.

Speaking with media representatives, Trott depicted Root’s batting style as exceptionally sound and highlighted the considerable advancements in his gameplay over the years.

He further dissected Root’s steady innings of 150 runs, acknowledging it as a product of the former captain’s versatility and poise at the batting crease.

“Joe Root’s approach is remarkably robust; you rarely observe drastic shifts in his strategy. Initially, with the advent of ‘Bazball,’ he experimented somewhat, attempting ramps and reverse sweeps against seamers, but he has since moved away from that,” Trott commented.

Trott emphasized Root’s intelligence as a player, noting his consistent equilibrium and his ability to adjust to the most effective methods while on the field.

“He has achieved a harmonious balance, possibly retaining certain aspects from that more expansive period, but overall, he remains true to his core strengths. When the opposition, like India, presents insufficient challenges, Root solidifies his position, establishes his stance, and commits to batting throughout the session,” he elaborated.

Trott also underscored Root’s tenacity, stating that the prominent England batter is challenging to dismiss.

“He compels you to deliver an exceptional ball to secure his wicket, a feat India couldn’t accomplish. Adding another 150 to his record, he continues to refine his skills with each innings,” he concluded.

Notably, Root distinguished himself in cricket history with an impressive unbeaten century on the third day of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, surpassing numerous long-held records in the process.

Root achieved a score of 120 not out during England’s response to India’s initial innings of 358, exceeding Ricky Ponting of Australia to claim the position of second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.

The right-handed batter now boasts 13,379 Test runs, surpassed only by India’s celebrated Sachin Tendulkar, who leads with 15,921 runs.

Root, aged 34, entered the game in the 39th over with England comfortably positioned at 197/2, following a solid opening partnership.

He then solidified the innings through the conclusion of the second day and sustained his brilliance on the third, steering England into a dominant state.

During his innings, Root overtook several legendary cricketers. In rapid succession during the 57th and 58th overs, he surpassed Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289), ultimately overtaking Ponting in the 101st over.

This century marked Root’s second in the series and the 38th of his Test career, placing him level with Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara in terms of Test centuries scored.

Only Ponting (41), Kallis (45), and Tendulkar (51) now precede him in this distinguished category.

Further enhancing his reputation, Root also surpassed 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford, solidifying his legacy at this iconic venue and reinforcing England’s command of the Test match.