Joe Root is one of the best Test batters in the world since 2020, but no one has embraced ‘Bazball’ more than him either. Ben Stokes might have replaced Root as England’s Test captain, but it is the former captain who has become a shining ambassador of England’s new playing style. The right-handed batter is known for his classic style of play, and very few will doubt that he has one of the most solid techniques in world cricket. However, he has added to his repertoire in recent days, and that has been on full display in the Ashes opener.
The ex-England captain has been playing the reverse scoop against pacers to perfection, getting boundaries on regular occasions. However, the top-order batter’s aggressive approach cost him on Monday (June 19), on the fourth day of play in the 2023 Ashes, as he tried one shot too many against Nathan Lyon in the second innings of the match. For the first time in his Test career, Root was stumped after making a knock of 46. Root made an unbeaten century in the first innings.
The 32-year-old cricketer achieved a unique feat after his dismissal as he became the player with the second most runs before he was dismissed stumped in the longest format of the game. Only a West Indies cricket legend scored more runs than Root before being dismissed in this manner. Both Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are among the top five but have now gone a spot lower in the list.
Talking about the match, the first match of the Ashes 2023 at Edgbaston is set for a cracking finish as Australia finished Day 4 with a score of 107/3. Australia still needs 174 runs on the final day of the match to clinch victory while England must take 7 wickets to stop the Aussie from emerging victorious.
Ollie Robinson made the initial breakthrough by dismissing David Warner for 36. World no.1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne (13) yet again failed to score big as Stuart Broad bowled a fine out-swinger to dismiss him. Very soon, Broad struck again to send off the in-form batter Steve Smith for just 6. Usman Khawaja (34*) and night watchman Scott Boland (13*) will resume the Aussie play on Day 5. Khawaja, who scored a brilliant century in the first innings, will be a threat to England. England bowlers must produce something big to seal a win.
