Root States Australian Ashes Digs Won't Be Remembered

Former Australian players have been queuing to offer opinions at England's veteran cricketer for months

The comments began when a former coach stated that Joe Root needs to score a century in down under to be considered an "legendary player"

Then came Warner's now-famous "wave-riding board" comment targeting Root

Last month, Blewett left Root out from a legendary England lineup on the grounds he has not reached a hundred in any of his 14 Test matches in Australian conditions

Root remains unconcerned regarding the remarks

"They are going to say whatever they wish regardless so why worry being concerned?" the 34-year-old stated

"It doesn't make a huge amount of difference

"In retrospect five years from now nobody will recall Hayden's remarks stated about me, Greg's comments, Mark Waugh, whoever it is"

"They are going to look back the series outcome and view it as a win for England or not"

Hayden represents a minority of former players to come out on Root's side

Reacting to the exclusion, he declared he'd "walk without clothes" throughout the Melbourne stadium in the coming months if Root does not score his Australian hundred

That creates the pressure on Root more than ever possibly, ahead of the contest starting on 21 November

"Maybe it is," Root said

"When all is said and done this Australian visit is not about me

"Should I make runs and making substantial contributions it gives us a great opportunity to win a series down under"

Australian Statistics

Root has mentioned in the past aiming for his first hundred in Australia "excessively"

The player maintains a reasonable average of thirty-five point six eight in fourteen Test matches in Australian venues - he has nine fifties - however his top score stands in double digits at 89

New Context

For this tour he arrives without carrying of leadership, something he had on prior Australian trips, while he will also be part of a batting line-up and larger team with prospects for success seem better compared to previous three to have made the trip

Both Root and plus skipper Stokes have been successful in an international Test on Australian soil

"I go there in a completely different capacity compared to previous visits, changed conditions, a lot more experience currently and I believe I understand completely about my batting and how I plan to handle it down under" Root explained

"Naturally you need to implement that and perform adequately when it really counts, yet I'm quite confident regarding my preparation and looking forward to the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead"

"Primarily being an experienced player it is about not just performing by making runs but all additional aspects related to it"

England's Best Chance

Substantial time of cricket drills alongside youth at a promotional activity in his hometown, Root has to correct himself when questioned if he concurs this represents England's optimal opportunity to secure an overseas Ashes victory in his playing years as part of the side

"Without question it does, to be completely honest," he said, upgrading an initial assessment of "perhaps"

"The aspect that I'm most excited about is traveling there employing a fresh tactic as a playing group"

"We're going to be able to hit them with a substantially altered strategy concerning our bowling attack

"plus the chance to potentially play several pacemen capable of bowling over ninety miles per hour throughout extended spells"

"It isn't as if we'll travel there using identical methods and hope for changed results

"We're heading there and attempt to accomplish it using modified approaches which generates excitement"