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Star England batter and former captain, Joe Root voiced disappointment after the Three Lions suffered a gut-wrenching two-wicket defeat in the opening Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston on June 20 (Tuesday). Root, who scored a fantastic unbeaten century in the first innings and was the joint top-scorer for England in the second innings, also sounded confident in his team's ability and approach to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming Test matches.
The elegant right-handed batter didn't hesitate and claimed that fans should expect more 'Bazball' from England in the remaining four matches and that the players won't change their style after one defeat.
"Naturally, (We are) a little bit disappointed, but as you mention, what a great Test match for 5 days, I think as a team, we played some really exciting cricket and pushed the game hard, pushed Australia hard for all ot it. Really, it's a bit disappointing to be on the wrong side of things," Joe Root told England Cricket.
"I think it's been a really important week for a number of different reasons, we showed how we intend to go out and play and how we backed up (the way) in a big series, even in an Ashes series that we will stay true to how we want to do it. I think that's an exciting prospect for the next 4 games. Anyone coming in to watch the game will be thoroughly entertained. I think they should expect the same in the next 4 games," he added.
In a game that ebbed and flowed throughout the course of five days, Australia ended up neutralising 'Bazball' at Edgbaston. On a thrilling Day 5 that was packed with pulsating action, the Three Lions were in ascendancy to steal a close win before the Baggy Greens' skipper Pat Cummins batted out of his skin to take his team to the promised land. England captain Ben Stokes did all in his power to earn a positive result but it just wasn't to be for England.
Despite the defeat, Root underlined that his teammates are not discouraged by the result and as a unit, the Three Lions displayed that they are well in the series even though the result in the opening Test didn't go in their favour.
"Absolutely, we are going to be genuine and authentic to what we say we are about as a team, and that's not going to flip. We are not going to fluctuate. Everybody should strap in because this week showed we are well in this series. There's going to be some brilliant cricket to watch throughout and we want to make sure we are on the right side of it," Root said.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'We didn't need Bazball': Doubts over England's entertaining approach rise after Australia win Edgbaston Test; ex-English captain voices displeasure
'Not regrets at all': Ben Stokes backs his decision to declare on Day 1 despite the outcome of Edgbaston Test
