Though the Ashes is still a few months away from commencement, the mind games have already begun. Recently, former Australia cricketer David Warner took a dig at Joe Root's record in Australia in the red-ball format. The former had pointed out how Josh Hazlewood has managed to cause a lot of problems for Root and stated that the England batter will need to take the 'surfboard off his front-leg' in order to be successful on Australian pitches.
"Josh Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He (Root) will have to take the surfboard off his front leg,” Warner had said. However, Root has now dismissed these comments, remarking that these type of comments aren't anything out of the ordinary and won't change anything either.
Root hit back at Warner's comments
“Just that. I can’t have any control on how people see the game or talk in interview. Nothing new, is it? You know there are going to be storylines and people wanting to hype up a big series. Doesn’t really change anything,” Root said, speaking on Sky Sports.
“When you get out there you’ve got to try and impact the game and help your team get off to a good start. Business as usual as far as I’m concerned," he added.
Root also reflected on his batting display in the last few tours to Australia and admitted that his approach ended up massively affecting his performance. He added that this time he will just try to enjoy the tour to his fullest rather than taking too much pressure like before.
“The thing that stands out for me is I wanted it way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important. Clearly the last few tours there have been loads of other things to contend with... a lot of distractions,” Root stated.
“This time I just want to go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It’s a beautiful country, great place to go and play cricket. It’s going to be hostile, everything you’d expect and want from an away Ashes series. That’s something you’ve got to relish. Going there with 150-odd Test matches under my belt, I feel couldn’t be more ready for it,” he further added.
Meanwhile, the five-match Test series between Australia and England will be commencing from November 21 later this year. The assignment will undoubtedly be quite important for both the teams and it will be interesting to see which one of them will come out on top.