Root States Aussie Ashes Jibes Will Be Forgotten

Australian critics have been queuing to take shots at England's key player for some time

First it was Darren Lehmann suggested that Joe Root must make a century in down under to be considered an "legendary player"

Then came David Warner now-famous "wave-riding board" remark targeting the England batsman

More recently, another former Australian player left Root out from a legendary England XI on the grounds he has not reached three figures in any of his 14 international Tests in Australian conditions

England's star maintains unbothered regarding the remarks

"They are going to say whatever they wish regardless so why concern myself being concerned?" Root said

"It won't create much difference

"Looking back in five year's time no-one is going to remember the comments from Hayden commented regarding me, Greg's comments, Waugh's statements, whomever it might be"

"Everyone will recall at the final result and think that is a historic England win or the opposite"

Hayden represents among the rare former players to stand up in Root's defense

Reacting to Blewett's statement, he said he'd "walk nude" around the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the coming months unless Root manages to score his Australian hundred

This places the pressure on Root more than ever maybe, prior to the matches which begins on 21 November

"Maybe it is," Root acknowledged

"Ultimately this Australian visit is not about me

"When I'm batting well and scoring heavily it offers us an excellent chance to claim the series down under"

Root's Australian Record

The batsman has discussed earlier aiming for his first hundred in Australian conditions "too much"

Root possesses a decent average of 35.68 in fourteen Test matches in Australia - he has nine fifties - yet his best performance stands in double digits at the eighties

New Context

For this tour he comes free from the weight of being captain, something he had on his last two visits, while he will also be component of the batting lineup and wider squad having opportunities to perform well look improved compared to previous three English teams that toured

Root along with nor captain Ben Stokes have been successful in an international Test on Australian shores

"I go there with a totally different role versus earlier tours, changed conditions, a lot more experience currently and I consider that I understand completely about my batting and my approach to managing it down under" Root said

"Obviously you must implement that and be good enough at important times, yet I'm really comfortable with where everything is at and eager for the opportunity and challenge coming up"

"More than anything as a senior player the emphasis lies in beyond simply achieving by making runs but all additional aspects related to it"

Optimal Opportunity

Following 120 minutes of practice sessions with youngsters during a charity event in Yorkshire, the batsman revised his comment when asked whether he believes this is England's best chance to secure an overseas Ashes victory in his playing years in the team

"Absolutely it does, to be completely honest," he commented, revising his first response of "perhaps"

"The thing that I'm most anticipating is going there with a totally new strategy as a playing group"

"We will possess the ability to present them with a significantly different approach concerning our pace attack

"plus the chance to potentially play three or four bowlers who deliver 90mph-plus consistently"

"It isn't as if we'll travel there employing similar tactics and anticipate altered outcomes

"We are going to go there and strive to achieve it through altered methods that's truly exciting"