Every player is determined to turn things around for England, says Joe Root

Joe Root understands the enormity of the Test match at Headingly.

Joe Root (Getty)

Joe Root, the England Test Captain, is disappointed on his side's heavily one-sided loss to Pakistan at Lord's in the first Test of the two-game vigil but has stated that each player in their squad is extremely determined to change the side's fortunes when they play at Headingley this week.

Joe Root understands the enormity of the occasion and knows his side has a point to prove.

Ahead of this big game, Root's side as suffered a huge blow as Ben Stokes is not fully fit and will be going through fitness tests ahead of the match to determine his availability. Sam Curran, the left arm fast bowler, has been drafted into the squad as a possible replacement.

Root talking about Ben Stokes was quoted saying to Sky Sports recently, "Of course if Ben's fit we want him in the side, he's one of our best players, he brings a lot to the table and offers so much to this team,"

Root knows that this is a tough home Test summer as they await India later in it for five Test matches, and are currently 1-0 down against a very driven Pakistan side but he wants to take it one match at a time.

"I think it helps us getting straight back into it, not having too much time to think about things, It was very clear where we needed to improve from last week, We've had some good preparation, the guys have really worked hard and now it's just doing it, going out and proving a point, putting a really strong performance in as a group and showing some pride in the badge."

Root also talked about the Keaton Jennings partnering Alastair Cook at the top of the order and also how the dressing room atmosphere is currently.

"He(Keaton Jennings) will be desperate to take his opportunity,"

"Every player in this side wants to make an impact this week. Every time we play a Test match there are all sorts of different pressures that come with it and for Keaton, it's a great opportunity. I hope he looks at it that way and goes out and expresses himself in his own way."

Root also gave an insight into how he is feeling about his own personal game with the bat.

"When you are winning and performing well you have to keep churning out those performances and when you're on the other side of it you've got to make sure you turn it round, As always I've gone into practice, felt if there were any areas I wanted to work on and got them done so I can go in full of confidence tomorrow and know I've given myself the best chance. It's nice to have that feeling going into any game."

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 01 Jun, 2018

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