Ahead of the Ashes Test series against Australia, England`s assistant coach Marcus Trescothick has heaped praise on Joe Root by saying that the right-hander seems to be in complete control of his game and has elevated his batting to another level.
Trescothick also expects Root to break his century drought in Australia during the upcoming Ashes against the Aussies.
“The way he`s gone in the last couple of years will probably explain he`s comfortable with what he`s trying to do, how he`s playing his game. His game has gone to the next level and hence the reason where he is in the rankings. You would be very surprised if he doesn`t carry on in that same sort of vein with the style of play and the type of player he is,” said the assistant coach.
The “Three Lions” will play just one warm-up match before the first Test match. The first of the five Test matches between England and Australia is scheduled to begin from November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Speaking on the team`s selection, the former cricketer said the performances in the warm-up match will not lead to any changes in England`s plans for the series opener.
“I guess everyone has an opportunity to stake their claim. As I mentioned, how consistent we`ve been with our team selection, it`s been very level. Bar the odd injury, we`ve not really chopped and changed a great deal. It`s definitely not going to change dramatically before the start of an Ashes series because someone puts their hand up by taking five wickets or gets 150. The team has been what it has been for a period of time for a reason, so that when you come to big series, you are more settled and confident going into it,” said the 49-year-old former cricketer.
The Ashes: Full Squads
Australia`s squad (first Test only): Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
England`s squad: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.
(With ANI Inputs)