Virat Kohli And Steven Smith’s Performances Inspire England Test Skipper Joe Root
Feb 16, 2017 at 3:51 PM
England’s new Test skipper Joe Root is motivated by his batting counterparts Virat Kohli (India) and Steven Smith (Australia) to lead his side in the longer format after his predecessor Alastair Cook relinquished from captaincy last week.
“I’m very lucky to have inherited an exciting team with a great blend of experience, raw talent and a core group of players who have played 20-30 games and are ready to take some more responsibility,” Root was quoted as saying by AFP.
Root, who averages 52.80 in 53 Tests so far, is hopeful to take his game to the next level by leading his side in the red-ball cricket. On the other hand, Kohli averages 51.75 in 54 Tests and Smith 60.15 in 50 Tests.
“You look at other guys who’ve taken similar roles like Virat and Steve Smith and they’ve gone on to bigger and better things and taken their game to the next level. I don’t see why I can’t look at it in the same light,” Root added.
The 26-year-old Yorkshire-born Root has played a significant role at the top for England across all three formats so far.
“That [performance from Kohli and Smith] excites me. It’s a great motivator to make sure I do everything I can to get my batting in the best place possible and set the example for the rest of the guys in the team,” Root said.
Excited about his new-role, Root expressed he would give his best shot to yield results for the team while becoming better and better with every game.
“It’s a great opportunity to take that added responsibility and really motivate me to get better. Every kid dreams of being England captain one day… I’m just really looking forward to getting my teeth into it and putting my mark on things,” Root said on his new role.
Some former English cricketers including Graeme Swann are actually of the view the new role would affect the batting of Root.
“It’s a good opportunity to give something back to the game that has given me so much. I’d like to be a captain that wins, tough to play against, and I like to hope we’ll play cricket that is enjoyable to watch,” Root further said.
However, Root did not show any hesitation while being named as the Test skipper by England Cricket Board (ECB) under the tutelage of its Director Andrew Strauss.
“I think it’s the biggest honour in the game, simple as that,” Root remarked.
England is scheduled to play South Africa in July followed by the West Indies and Australia (Ashes) in November this year.