Joe Root hasn’t yet hit a Test century in Australia.
Warner, who called time on his international career last year but will meet Root in The Hundred at Lord’s on Thursday (August 14), suggested that Root would need to “take the surfboard off his front leg” to achieve success on Australian soil, referring to the English talisman’s struggles against LBW dismissals on previous tours.
Root, Test cricket’s second-highest run-scorer of all time with 13,543 runs to his name, hasn’t yet hit a Test century in Australia, where he will contest his fourth series in the coming winter.
Warner also highlighted Root’s issues against Josh Hazlewood, stating, “Josh Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He (Root) will have to take the surfboard off his front leg.”
However, Root dismissed Warner’s provocative jibe, emphasizing his focus on the game rather than the external chatter.
“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 when asked on a media call if he had laughed off the jibe.
He added, “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.”
Reflecting on his previous tours of Australia, Root admitted that his overly intense approach may have affected his performance
“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,” he explained.
The 34-year-old wants to enjoy the experience rather than succumbing to pressure this time around.
“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,” Root remarked.