That debut in Nagpur was rather unlike most Test debuts. Joe
Root came to the crease with England 2-1 up in the series but feeling the
pressure as a resurgent India fought back with early wickets. England were
creaking a little but the composed calmness of Root quickly alleviated any
fears of collapse.
The 73 he made in that final Test were not easy runs and to
all observers reaffirmed the belief that this was a special talent. He had it
all; the shots, the patience, and importantly the temperament required to be a
top Test batsman. His place in the England side was immediately secure.
Root had an indifferent tour of New Zealand; he made starts
without ever making a big score. He continued to excel and impress in limited
overs cricket though. Within months he was a fully integrated and valuable
member of the England set-up.
He started the 2013 summer in blistering form with a number
of big hundreds for both the England Lions and Yorkshire, including a memorable
match winning 182 against Durham. He followed this up with a maiden Test
hundred at Headingley against New Zealand. These were halcyon days, Root could
do no wrong. A glorious summer seemed inevitable.
Compton’s struggles at home to New Zealand saw him unceremoniously
dropped from the side ahead of the Ashes, Root was pushed up to open. It would
be a huge challenge but one that he seemed completely ready for.
He struggled initially but seemed to find his feet with 180
in the second innings at Lord’s. England were already on top and Root hammered
home the advantage to help push England into a 2-0 lead in the series. The
remaining Tests though went back to being a struggle.
Both England openers were finding it hard going as Australia
repeatedly made early inroads into the England top order. England clinched the
series comfortably 3-0, but the Root conundrum wouldn’t go away and was a problem
for the selectors ahead of the return series Down Under.
A big hundred from Michael Carberry in a tour game convinced
the selectors to make the switch, Root dropped back down the order as England
looked to defend the urn. Soon it was all change for the Yorkshireman again as
Jonathan Trott departed the tour after the First Test. He was moved up to 3
where he initially thrived.
A battling 87 showed why he is so revered. He combatted
Mitchell Johnson well and even managed to get under his skin with his cheeky
grin. That though has been his only meaningful contribution of the tour. Root
like the rest of the England batsmen have struggled badly. The extra pace of
the Australian pitches was supposed to help his back-foot game instead he has
looked lost at times. He has displayed as much confidence as a first time ice
skater with his tentative prods outside off stump. The Aussies seem to have him
figured out.
He has symbolised England’s ponderous run-rate which has
been one of the major problems in the series. His strike-rate in Test cricket
is currently below 40 (in comparison Alastair Cook’s is nearly 47), Root as
much as anyone seems to get a little stuck at the crease which is strange when
you consider what a busy player he is in the shortened version of the game.
Root has shuffled up and down the order but needs to quickly
nail down a spot in this side and prove his worth. His versatility is holding
him back in a way; he needs to be able to flourish in one spot.
He has largely escaped criticism and is expected to move
back up to open the batting very soon. His career so far has shown plenty of
promise but there hasn’t always been the substance to back up the hype.
Now is the time for Root to step up and prove his class.
Sydney is a very good place to start.
