Ashes 2017-18: Joe Root hails team temperament after drawn Boxing Day Test

England have avoided the threat of Ashes series whitewash in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, but skipper Joe Root was expecting more in the kitty after the fourth Test was drawn on Saturday (December 30). The drawn Test happened thanks to a buoyant hundred from Australian skipper Steven Smith on a placid surface which made bowlers toil hard on the fifth and final day.

“Of course we didn’t want it to be a whitewash,” Root said after the Melbourne Test ended an hour before the scheduled time to see Australia leading the five-match series 3-0.

Ahead of the fourth Test, England’s highly impressive batsman, Dawid Malan urged his teammates to give their best which further saw English players respond to Malan’s call at Melbourne.

“We came into this game fully excited about winning and making sure the main focus of this group was to win this week, go to Sydney and win there,” Root added.

Interestingly, England bowlers managed to pick two wickets on the final day as it was Smith’s third hundred of the series which simultaneously dashed the hopes of the Three Lions.

“To come off three very difficult games and put in a performance like that is very pleasing, that’s what we are about as a side. I’m very proud of the way we went about it,” Root asserted.

After the two rain stoppages, the play was abandoned on day four which further saw Australia resumed their innings on 103 for two in 43.5 overs before finish the Test on 263 for four in 124.2 overs.

Moreover, England camp would be the thorough disappointment for failing to open their account, but the hosts had given their best after bowlers conceded the decent lead in the first innings.

However, Root didn’t rule out the criticism over England team even after playing a draw in Melbourne; he added the side would be in a good state if they will put the brilliant performance in the fifth and final Test in Sydney.

“One draw won’t stop serious questions being asked of this England team. Yet they could do themselves a lot of good if they follow up this improved display with another in Sydney,” Root remarked.

Root revealed the team was dejected after failing to retain the Urn with Perth loss but reiterated they have focused hard in nets before facing the hosts’ bowlers with ease.

“They had a lot of disappointment coming away from Perth and you could see by the way they went about training that they were desperate to prove a lot of people wrong and make sure we get something good out of this tour,” Root remarked.

Earlier, England was whitewashed in 2013-14 and 2006-07, as Root managed 61 runs in the Boxing Day Test which further saw his score of 237 in seven innings and that also has three fifties.

“I am disappointed that we couldn’t quite crack it open today and we tried absolutely everything, effort and work rate were all there all day,” Root concluded.

On the other side, the former skipper for England Michael Vaughan, who is enjoying his stint in the commentary box, remarks it has been exciting to see England has shown a lot after losing out in first three Tests of the traditional series.

The team also rode on the magnificent double hundred of Alastair Cook, who was named Man of the Match for his 244.

“Then Cooky’s massive double hundred was exactly what you need after a strong two days with the ball,” Root explained.

Here you could find the news in detail:

The Ashes 2017/18: Australia Recall Ashton Agar For Sydney Test

The Ashes: Twitter Lauds Steve Smith After Another Ton At The MCG

Follow India’s tour to South Africa here: South Vs. India