Former England cricketer Mark Butcher opined on the poor form of Joe Root in the ongoing Test series against India. He said that the batter is struggling with the bat because his workload with the ball has increased.
Joe Root’s form with the bat has been one of the biggest concerns for the England team in the ongoing Test series against India. He has failed drastically with the bat and is one of the reasons why the visitors are 2-1 down in the series after the three games in series.
Coming into the series, a lot was expected of Joe Root because he has arguably been the best Test batter England has ever produced. The right-hander in the ongoing series is averaging 12.83 in the three matches so far. But it’s fair to say that he has himself to blame for his low scores.
Joe Root has got out while playing attacking cricket. He came under the radar after his dismissal in the third Test. The right-hander attempted a reverse scoop to Jasprit Bumrah and was caught in the slips. The pacer has removed him 9 times in his career.
This saw Joe Root getting a lot of flak with the way they got. There were even suggestions that he should play in his old way and not try Bazball. But the batter has got backing from the team management and they are hopeful that he will come good.
Mark Butcher feels that England’s use as a frontline spinner is not yielding the results in his batting. As quoted by Wisden, the former England cricketer stated:
“I think that having him having to do so much work as a frontline spin bowler is not likely to yield the sort of results that you’d expect from him with the bat.”
Joe Root has contributed more with the ball rather than bat in the ongoing series. With Jack Leach getting ruled out of the series, the batter has been utilized by skipper Ben Stokes as the main bowler in the team. He has done a decent job as well and he has picked crucial wickets for the team as well.
Joe Root is, a part-time spin bowler to hold the fort for you – Mark Butcher points out why England are down in the series
Mark Butcher further pointed out why India were favorites to win before the game even started. He highlighted their inexperienced spin attack with Joe Root being the part-time spin bowler. He added:
“Given the tosses coming down when you’re bowling first and third rather than second fourth, you need a bit more than guys who are just either making their way in the game or guys who are, as Joe Root is, part-time spin bowlers to hold the fort for you. It’s such a fundamental reason why India was a favourites before it started.”
Joe Root would be hoping to turn things around in the next game. The match will take place in Rachi from 23rd February.
