Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has expressed that Joe Root’s inconsistent form has hurt England’s chances of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup. The defending champions have performed badly in the tournament so far and are in danger of early elimination.
Joe Root started his campaign at 50 against New Zealand and Bangladesh but has struggled since then. In the match against India, he was dismissed in the 5th over after receiving a golden duck from England’s run chase as Jasprit Bumrah’s lack of bounce led to a low up throw and he was trapped in front of the stumps.
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has expressed concerns to Star Sports about Joe Root’s performance as the anchor of England’s batting line-up in the ODI World Cup 2023 being held in India. Root’s form has improved below what we believe is good, and with the batting line-up revolving around him, it is essential that he performs well.
“If you look at England’s batting line-up, apart from Joe Root, everyone else wants to play attacking cricket.” What hurts this batting line the most is Joe Root’s How’s it going? Because the whole batting line-up revolves around him,” Gambhir said.
Gambir pointed out that Root’s performance will be more important as England’s batting line-up does not have many batsmen who can handle pressure in seam and swing situations.
“He is theanchor and the glue and can attack from the edge and the rest of the players can actually play the way they want. The moment Root doesn’t deliver, everyone is exposed. Not many players can absorb the pressure that comes with playing against seam balls and swing balls,” Gautam Gambhir added.
Joe Root has only scored 175 points in six games, averaging 29.16 points, which is not up to his usual standards. In the recent match between England and India, Root was sent off for a golden duck, which contributed to England’s defeat by 100 runs.
England have three games remaining against Pakistan, Australia and the Netherlands and have just two points from six games. Even if she wins all three matches, she still needs many results to advance to the semi-finals.
