Joe Root, a former England captain and seasoned batter, seems to have elevated the ‘Bazball’ trend to a new height. During the net session in Vizag, the elite batsman, who is regarded as one of the “big four” batsmen in contemporary cricket, was observed showcasing his amazing abilities to play sweep strokes while in a switch-hit stance. As a result, fans frequently wonder if Root is just as skilled as a left-hander.
During the net practice, the prolific batter was observed adopting a left-hander’s stance. However, he quickly returned to his customary stance when the ball was given, practicing the traditional sweep shot. Therefore, Joe Root chose to try this rather unconventional method of training a sweep stroke in advance of the highly anticipated Vizag Test, particularly in Indian conditions. But in his first two innings at bat in the current Test series between India and England, Root appeared out of sorts as he was dismissed cheaply for scores of 29 and 2.
Joe Root setting up as a left-hander at England training in Vizag pic.twitter.com/GmabemPrY7
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) January 31, 2024
What is the bowling performance of Joe Root in India?
When other bowlers struggle to trouble or remove the opposition with the ball, the seasoned England icon Joe Root is widely viewed as the team’s “golden arm.” When it comes to India, Root enjoys bowling because of the ideal spinning conditions that the subcontinent offers for any normal spinner. Speaking about the opening test of the series, Root showed himself to be the team’s finest spinner, providing the visitors with much-needed breakthroughs.
First, after giving up 79 runs in the first innings of the Hyderabad Test, Joe Root claimed four wickets. Team India, who at one point appeared poised to amass a massive total, was unable to capitalize further and was limited to 436 runs as a result. The tenacious off-spinner removed the Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on ball 87, and he quickly rendered Jasprit Bumrah speechless with his pure elegance.
Then, in the second inning, he got rid of India’s on-form batsman, KL Rahul, making the hosts’ task of chasing down runs much more difficult. This ultimately helped England secure their historic first-ever Test victory in Hyderabad. So, when he steps onto the field in the second Test at Vizag, Joe Root will be hankering after some runs at the bat. In reference to Root’s bowling data, the off-spinner has claimed 13 victims from 11 matches in as many innings at a respectable average of 24.84. In addition, Root has claimed five wickets in the process.
In addition, former England pacer James Anderson was recently seen during a net session during the Hyderabad Test displaying his incredible left-arm spin bowling abilities. It would be intriguing to watch whether Team India can recover in the Test series in Vizag, as bazball fever has undoubtedly engulfed cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.