IND v ENG 2024: “He averages 51 under this regime,” Nasser Hussain backs Joe Root to play Bazball style of cricket despite criticism

Root has come under severe criticism for his ugly dismissal in Rajkot Test.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Feb, 2024

Veteran England batter Joe Root has come under severe criticism for his ugly dismissal on Day 3 of the third Test against India in Rajkot.

Root, who was well-set at 18 after spending nearly an hour at the crease, chose to play a reverse ramp shot against Jasprit Bumrah but ended up miscuing it, resulting in a catch for Yashasvi Jaiswal at second slip.

Root's wicket triggered a sort of collapse as England’s first innings folded for 319, conceding a substantial lead of 126 runs to the hosts.

Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook slammed Joe Root for throwing away his wickets in a bid to play the ‘Bazball’ style of cricket.

The commentators argued that this aggressive approach doesn’t suit Root, who has made most of his Test runs with the traditional approach.

Amid the scrutiny, former England skipper Nasser Hussain has backed Root to excel in the rest of the series while also supporting the latter’s unorthodox approach.

"After the first two Tests against India, we said that Root might not be suited to Bazball. But the stats say otherwise. He averages 51 under this regime and he averaged 49 before that. His dismissal sort of sums up where we are with Bazball. It will thrill and frustrate in equal measure," Hussain said on Sky Sports at the close of play on Day 3 in Rajkot.

"When he is playing those reverse-scoops to the first ball of the day of an Ashes Test, we all jump up and applaud. When he does it to Bumrah here and gets out, we all say 'what a disgrace'," he further added.

However, Hussain argued that Joe Root's reverse scoop did not come at the right time tactically.

"One thing Joe will look at is the timing of that shot. Ashwin wasn't there, India are down a bowler; Jadeja is playing off the back of an injury; Bumrah is playing three Tests in a row and there is talk of him needing a rest," Hussain remarked.

"Bazball is about being attacking but it is also about soaking up pressure. Get Bumrah into his second or third spell, take it deep and then play the shot later in the day. Joe will assess his dismissal himself. That's what makes him a great player. He'll come back. He'll be absolutely fine," he concluded.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Feb, 2024

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