Joe Root States Aussie Ashes Comments Are Insignificant
Joe Root hasn't managed a century in each of his 27 international innings in Australia
Australian critics have been lining up to make comments at England's veteran cricketer for some time
Initially, a former coach stated that Joe Root must make three figures in down under to be regarded as an "legendary player"
Following that Warner's well-known "surfing board" jibe aimed at the England batsman
In recent weeks, Greg Blewett excluded Root from a legendary England lineup due to the fact he has not reached a century in each of his 14 international Tests in Australia
Root remains unflustered about the comments
"They'll continue saying what they want anyway so why bother being concerned?" the 34-year-old said
"It doesn't make a huge amount of difference
"In retrospect five years from now nobody will recall Hayden's remarks commented regarding me, Blewett's opinions, Waugh's statements, whoever it is"
"People will remember at the final result and view it as a win for England or otherwise"
Matthew Hayden stands as one of the few former players to come out on Root's side
Addressing Blewett's statement, he said he would "walk without clothes" throughout the Melbourne stadium this summer should Root fail to score his Australian hundred
This places additional pressure on Root like never before possibly, prior to the matches starting on the 21st of November
"Perhaps that's true," Root acknowledged
"Ultimately this tour is not about me
"If I am scoring runs and accumulating big scores it gives us a great opportunity to claim the series out in Australia"
Root's Australian Record
The batsman has discussed in the past desiring his initial century in down under "too much"
Root possesses a respectable average of 35.68 in fourteen Test matches in Australia - with nine scores over fifty - however his top score is stuck in double digits at the eighties
New Context
On this occasion he travels without carrying of being captain, responsibilities he held on his last two visits, while he will also be member of a batting order and wider squad whose chances to perform well seem better compared to previous three to have made the trip
Neither Root nor captain Ben Stokes have achieved victory in a Test on Australian soil
"I'm heading there with a totally different role versus earlier tours, changed conditions, much greater familiarity at present and I believe I have a really good understanding about my batting and how I plan to handle it in the conditions" Root explained
"Naturally you need to put that into practice and excel during crucial moments, but I am very assured with where everything is at and looking forward to both the chance and test that lies ahead"
"Above all being an experienced player the focus is on more than just performing by making runs but every other element that comes with it"
Optimal Opportunity
After two hours of cricket drills with young players at a Chance to Shine event in his hometown, Root has to correct himself when asked whether he believes this is England's best chance to win an away Ashes during his time in the team
"Without question it does, to be completely honest," he stated, upgrading an initial assessment of "probably"
"The aspect that I'm most anticipating is heading there with a completely different approach as a playing group"
"We're going to be able to hit them with a substantially altered strategy in terms of our pace attack
"along with the possibility to maybe include three or four bowlers capable of bowling exceeding 90mph for a sustained period"
"It isn't as if we'll travel there using identical methods and anticipate altered outcomes
"We're heading there and try and do it a slightly different way which generates excitement"