Former Australia opener David Warner believes Joe Root will be crucial to England’s chances during their upcoming five-Test Ashes series in Australia later this year.
Root has struggled to convert his starts Down Under, having never scored a century in Australia. In 18 Ashes Tests, he has fallen 10 times to Josh Hazlewood, only one less than the 11 dismissals each by Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah. Despite being the world’s No. 1-ranked Test batter, Root averages just 35.86 in Australia.
“The big anchor there is Rooty (England batter Joe Root), who is yet to score a hundred in Australia. Josh Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg,” Warner told BBC Sport.
Warner also noted the positives England could take from their current form, particularly the fitness and return of pace duo Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson, both seen as key to their Ashes hopes.
“It all comes down to the bowlers. If the English bowlers can put a dent in the Australia top order then they will come into the contest,” Warner added.
Currently in England ahead of his stint with London Spirit in The Hundred, which begins August 5, Warner said he is eager to bring his trademark energy and entertain the crowd.
“I know the Spirit haven’t gone too well in the past few years. For myself to bring some energy and intensity to the group and project that on the field would be awesome. It is about the fans and the young kids that are coming out to see us, not about the player and whether there has been a bit of history or not,” he said.