Joe Root Says Aussie Test Series Digs Will Be Forgotten

Commentators down under have been lining up to offer opinions about star batsman for some time

First it was an ex-Australian cricketer claimed that Root must make a hundred in down under to be regarded as an "cricket great"

Then came the Australian opener now-famous "wave-riding board" comment targeting Root

Last month, Greg Blewett omitted Root from an all-time England lineup due to the fact he hasn't achieved a hundred in any of his 14 international Tests in Australia

The batsman stays unbothered about the comments

"They will keep stating what they want in any case so why worry thinking about it?" the 34-year-old commented

"It doesn't make significant change

"In retrospect after five years people won't remember Hayden's remarks commented regarding me, Greg Blewett, Mark's views, whomever it might be"

"Everyone will recall the series outcome and consider it a win for England or the opposite"

The legendary opener has been among the rare former players to come out in Root's defense

Addressing Blewett's statement, he said he promised to "walk without clothes" around the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the upcoming season should Root fail to achieve his Australian ton

That creates additional pressure on Root more than ever possibly, ahead of the contest commencing on 21 November

"Maybe it is," the batsman admitted

"At the end of the day this Australian visit is not about me

"Should I make runs and making substantial contributions it gives us a great opportunity to win a series out in Australia"

Australian Statistics

The batsman has discussed in the past desiring his initial century in Australian conditions "too much"

He has a respectable average of over thirty-five in fourteen Test matches in Australian venues - he has nine fifties - but his high score is stuck under three figures at eighty-nine

Changed Situation

For this tour he comes without carrying of being captain, something he had on his last two visits, while he will also be component of the batting lineup and wider squad having opportunities to perform well look improved versus earlier three to have made the trip

Both Root and nor captain Ben Stokes have won a Test match on Australian shores

"I'm heading there with a totally different role to last time, different circumstances, significantly more experience at present and I feel like I understand completely of my game and how I plan to handle it down under" Root said

"Naturally you need to put that into practice and excel during crucial moments, but I am very assured regarding my preparation and anticipating the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead"

"Primarily as a senior player the focus is on not just performing in terms of the runs but all additional aspects that comes with it"

Optimal Opportunity

After two hours of cricket drills with young players at a promotional activity in Leeds, the batsman revised his comment when asked if he concurs this represents England's optimal opportunity to win an away Ashes during his time with the squad

"Absolutely it does, if I am being brutally honest," he stated, correcting his earlier statement of "maybe"

"The aspect that excites me most is heading there with a completely different approach as a team"

"We will possess the ability to confront them with a significantly different approach concerning our bowling attack

"along with the possibility to maybe include three or four bowlers capable of bowling 90mph-plus for a sustained period"

"It's not like we'll travel there with the same formula and expect different results

"We are going to go there and attempt to accomplish it a slightly different way which generates excitement"