Former India batter VVS Laxman believes that England skipper Joe Root doesn’t seem troubled by the extra accountability of being the team’s main batter in Test matches. As per Laxman, Joe Root is relishing the challenge, which is bringing out the most beneficial in his batsmanship.
Joe Root defeated India’s bowlers on Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Lord’s. Having notched up his 22nd hundred in the better version of the game, the England captain went past 150 in the last session of play, looking in total control of operations.
What a year @root66 is having 😍💯https://t.co/GW3VJ3wfDv@IGcom | 🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 | #RedForRuth pic.twitter.com/zmVpHygF0x
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 14, 2021
Praising Joe Root for yet another brilliant knock, Laxman said on ESPN Cricinfo:
“Pure Test match hundred. We saw the same in Nottingham as well. I think he is relishing the fact that the responsibility lies on him, Joe Root the captain and Joe Root the batsman. I think that extra responsibility is getting the best out of him. Leading into this Test series, there was a lot of talks – can Joe Root be consistent? Can he convert those half-centuries into big centuries? There was a lot of talk about the brittle English batting line-up.”
“The best way to shut down criticism is by performing. And performing when it matters the most. That is exactly what Joe Root has done in Nottingham and today,” Laxman added while hailing the 30-year-old batter.
Joe Root up there with Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith: VVS Laxman
Until a few times back, critics opined that Joe Root was not in the identical league as some of the greatest batters of the modern era since he wasn’t getting the high scores. Nevertheless, over the last some periods, the English captain has raised his game significantly.
According to Laxman, Joe Root is right up there with the better in the business. He stated regarding the prolific batter:
“He is up there with the best. I always felt Joe Root, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and I will also include Babar Azam in it, these five players are fabulous batsmen at the highest level. The best thing about them is that they are absolute role models to youngsters and they take on the responsibility and the challenges that they confront.”
”All players (except Smith) are captains of their respective teams. At the same time, they are the main batsmen. We know what kind of responsibility the main batsman has. It is never easy to fulfil such kinds of expectations. All these five batsmen, whenever they get runs, they dictate terms,” Laxman replied.
He keeps going! 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ for @root66 🙌
Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/GW3VJ3wfDv@IGCom | 🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 | #RedForRuth pic.twitter.com/9rzTw5MIXc
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 14, 2021
Also read:- “I don’t see him getting in the XI” – VVS Laxman commented on Ravichandran Ashwin playing context