Former England spinner Graeme Swann has criticised Joe Root’s handling of Jack Leach during the final Test against New Zealand. He also said that Root’s field placing fields left the Somerset spinner with ‘one arm tied behind his back.’
Swann also reprimanded Root’s constant meddling during the 142-run partnership between BJ Watling and Colin De Grandhomme. He also admitted that this allowed the host to rebuild after losing half of the batsmen for 36.
Root introduced Leech on his debut as the New Zealand pair produced their country’s highest sixth-wicket stand against England.
He bowled some tight line and length and conceded only 48 runs in the 18 overs he bowled. However, Swann feels Leach would have been more of a threat if Root had offered him more orthodox fields.
“I’ve got a bit of an issue with what England are trying,’ Swann told BBC’s Test Match Special. “The old-fashioned Test game is lost on some of the new players. Yes, New Zealand have had a century partnership, but they’re still 160 behind. Leach has been bowling beautifully but he needs a more orthodox field, such as a bat-pad. Bowl straight, dry the runs up – even if it takes 10 overs to create a chance,” he added.
The former off-spinner also added that Root didn’t let Leech get his rhythm by altering the fields constantly.
“The patience level of captaincy is non-existent – Root is constantly changing the fields and stopping Leach getting into a rhythm. The reason certain fielding positions have become de rigeur, is because they work! Leach has one arm tied behind his back here – you need a short leg in,” he added.
And Swann feels the absence of former wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who retired four years ago, means there are now few impartial senior voices who are prepared to question Root.
“When I was playing, if these tactics weren’t working, Matt Prior would have said to Andrew Strauss or Alastair Cook by now that it wasn’t working and we should go back to bowling at the top of off stump. As a wicketkeeper, Prior used to see everything,” concluded Swann.
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