England captain Joe Root has indicated to coach Trevor Bayliss that he is open to move up one spot to No 3 in Test batting line-up for the Ashes, according to reports.
Bayliss had earlier this week revealed his intention to ask Root bat at one-drop, but it has now emerged, as per reports, that the England captain offered to promote himself up the order, even before Bayliss could broach the subject with him.
The last time Root batted at No 3 was in the fourth Test against India in Southampton last year. He averages 40.47 in 40 innings in that position, but prefers batting at No.4, from where he has scored 2736 runs in 60 innings and averages 48.
Joe Root’s career-best score of 254 came at No.3.
Should the English skipper return to the spot for the Ashes?https://t.co/wxM45jthvI
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 28, 2019
However, given the nature of England’s top order – Jason Roy, Rory Burns and Joe Denly have just 11 Tests caps between them – Root has understood that it would be a lot more beneficial for the team if he bats at one-drop, and holds the innings together.
It was also reported, in ESPNcricinfo, that Jofra Archer is unlikely to play the first Test against Australia. It is thought that it would be beneficial in the longer-term to have Archer fully fit, in time for the second Test at Lord’s, than rush him for the Edgbaston opener on August 1.
