In the ODI World Cup 2023, legendary Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir expressed his displeasure with England ace Joe Root’s results thus far.
Gambhir claimed that every time Root has underperformed, England batting has suffered and that the whole batting order is centered on him. Following England’s crushing 100-run loss to India, the hosts, in Lucknow, the former cricket player made this statement.
With the exception of Joe Root, every player in England batting order wants to play aggressive cricket. Since Joe Root is the center of attention for this entire batting lineup, it is his form that has caused the greatest harm, according to Gambhir, who spoke to Star Sports.
According to the 42-year-old, Root should take on the anchor position, allowing the other players to play as they see fit. Notably, Root was out of the game against India in Lucknow for a golden duck.
“He served as a stabilizing force, allowing the other players to play as they pleased while he batted from one end. Everyone is revealed the instant Root fails to deliver. Few players possess that capacity to withstand the pressure of facing seaming and swinging balls,” the former cricket player continued.
After scoring half-centuries against Bangladesh and New Zealand, respectively, Root made the most of his starts in the current competition. Since then, though, the right-hander’s bat has been less reliable. In six games, he has scored 175 runs with a strike rate of 93.08 and an average of 29.16.
2023 ODI World Cup: Most Runs
Currently sitting at the bottom of the points table with two points and a net run rate of -1.652, England’s ODI World Cup campaign has been forgettable. The team captained by Jost Buttler will next play Australia, the five-time champions, on November 4 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.