Joe Root. File Photo
Joe Root. File Photo

Joe Root has fired a defiant message as Ben Stokes’ method are being questioned following England’s narrow 2-wicket loss at the hands of Australia in the first Ashes Test.

Australia chased down 281 to register a thrilling win on the final day of the Test. Chasing 281, Australia began the day on 107 for 3. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and their chances of winning the game looked all but over when Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey departed.

Stokes bowled Khawaja before Root accounted for Carey to leave Australia reeling at 227 for 8. However, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon shared an unbeaten stand of 55 runs to take their team home in a thrilling manner. Cummins remained unbeaten on 44 with the help of 4 fours and 2 sixes while Lyon scored an unbeaten 16 to give Australia the lead in the five-match series.

Joe Root
Joe Root (Credits: Twitter)

Joe Root’s message after loss:

Soon after the match ended, Joe Root took to Twitter to make it clear that the defeat has not bogged him and his teammates down. Following the defeat, England captain Ben Stokes has been facing criticism for his early declaration in the first innings.

The England skipper declared the innings after just 78 overs. The hosts were on 393 for 8 at that stage with Joe Root batting on 118. And while most of the captains in the world would have liked to add as many runs as possible at that stage, Stokes decided otherwise. With the decision eventually backfiring, he has faced criticism from several quarters.

Joe Root, however, has made it clear that he is firmly behind his team and captain. Soon after the defeat, he took to Twitter to express his love for the current England team, writing: “Love everything about this team ???????❤️”

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