Former England spinner Monty Panesar has suggested veteran batter Joe Root to tweak his style of batting in order to succeed in the ongoing IND vs ENG Test series.
In an exclusive chat with Insidesport, Panesar suggested that Root should look to play in traditional way at the start and not go hammer and tongs early in innings.
“With the ‘Bazball” mentality, Joe Root’s batting average and strike rate has gone up. But that is on conditions that are in England, where the ball seams more. So the movement isn’t as sharp like it is against the turning delivery in India. So maybe the fact that the ball turns so much, you may have to change game plans”, Monty Panesar said.
Also Read: Monty Panesar reveals how England can bounce back in Ranchi Test after Rajkot loss
Notably, England’s ‘Bazball’ bawled big time in the recently concluded India vs England third Test in Rajkot. Chasing a mammoth 547 in the fourth innings, the visitors suffered a dramatic collapse, getting bowled out for 122.
While the Test match was majorly dominated by the hosts, England had an opportunity to put India on the ropes in their first innings. Cruising on the back of Ben Duckett’s blazing century, the visitors were looking set for a big total when Root’s ‘brain fade’ shot early on Day 3 turned the tables.
Root played attempted an ambitious reverse sweep against Jasprit Bumrah and gifted the catch to Yashasvi Jaiswal at second slip.
Settle and then go Bazball: Panesar
Root’s wicket opened the flood gates for the hosts as the visitors went down from 224/2 to 319 all-out inside two sessions, giving India a big lead and momentum.
Panesar further suggested that Root should not completely return to his old school batting but should pace his innings.
“Joe Root should continue to play his positive approach. But start off with more traditional style of Test match batting. And once he is settled, he then can go ‘Bazball’”, the former England spinner further added.
The fourth IND vs ENG Test will begin on February 23 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
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