Joe Root Will Have A Point To Prove In Australia: Andrew Strauss

Former England captain, Andrew Strauss believes that Joe Root will always be viewed over performances as a skipper in Australia despite his success in other countries. Hence, it makes the Ashes series later in the year vital for Root’s career as a captain.

Andrew Strauss, who led England to Ashes triumph in 2010-11 in Australia, heaps praises on the current England team under Root. With the Yorkshireman at the helm, the Three Lions have won 26 out of 47 Tests – including Test series victory in South Africa and Sri Lanka twice. Recently, with the win over India in Chennai, Root equalled Michael Vaughan’s record of most Test wins for England.

However, Andrew Strauss opines that Root and his side will have a point to prove when they take on the arch-rivals in its home later in the year. Under Root, England has played two Ashes series; in 2017 they received a 4-0 drubbing Down Under while the last Ashes at home in 2019 was drawn and Australia retained it. It has been 10 years since England won the Ashes in Australia.

“England have won a hell of a lot of matches under Joe, and his win percentage is higher than anyone. Over the last 18 months, form-wise, England are probably the best team in the world.

But if he doesn’t manage to win in Australia, that will always be an asterisk against his name. It will be. He might have had success, but he didn’t have success in Australia. He will have a point to prove in Australia this winter,” Andrew Strauss told Daily Mail.

I think Root will surpass Cook’s runs: Andrew Strauss

The 43-year-old also is of the popular opinion that Joe Root will surpass Alastair Cook’s record of most Test runs for England – the right-hander sits at the third spot with 8507 runs in 100 Tests and is chasing Cook’s 12472 runs record which he made in 161 Test appearances.

Strauss reckons even Cook wouldn’t dispute that Root is a better all-round player than himself or the best one ever for England.

“Personally, I think he’ll do it (going past Cook’s runs). Even Alastair would admit Joe is a better all-round player than he was. Joe, I would argue, is the best all-round player I’ve ever seen for England. It’s just a case of him staying healthy and he will surpass anyone else,” said the Ashes-winning captain.

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