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After dominating with the bat at Edgbaston, Joe Root secured the coveted position of the world’s best men’s Test batsman, dethroning Marnus Labuschagne.
Labuschagne held the top spot for an impressive six months. However, his slow start to 2023 saw him lose ground as Joe Root, with his impressive score record, finished first.
Root’s fine performance in a thrilling First Test at Birmingham saw him make his 30th Test century. Despite the disappointment of being on the losing side, the England superstar showed his brilliance with scores of 118* and 46, cementing his status as the new captain with the bat.
Such has been his form over the last three or four years, that he has proven himself to be perhaps the best player to ever don an England cap.
Here we look at three reasons why Joe Root is the greatest batsman England has ever produced:
#3 World domination
Often in the past, a number of England players in the sub-continent struggled because they looked mediocre against both sides. Joe Root stands out as one of the bright sparks when England comes to the subcontinent.
In India, Root averages 50.11 in 10 matches – he has 952 runs with two centuries and five half-centuries. The difference was in the last innings when England beat India in the only test match in Chennai.
His numbers in Sri Lanka are even more impressive. In five games, he scored 655 runs with an average of over 65 and three tons to his name. On the final tour to Pakistan, Joe Root returned with a half-century.
These are impressive, consistent numbers and never has an English batsman been more easily countered by spinners. His wide range of strokes and ability to pick up lengths quickly make him one of the best kickers against spinners.
#2 Immaculate back play
Being from Yorkshire, Joe Root has always been an excellent bowler against pace. What stands out is his ability to stay on the back foot and play the ball late and under his eyes. He possesses an extensive repertoire of back cuts, and displays a wide variety of angles and techniques.
From accurately steering the ball down with an angled club to executing open-faced square slides with a more vertical stance, Root’s arsenal of shots includes a wide range of options.
This technique has made him a huge success in England where top-flight batting is all about leaving the ball alone, sticking to defence, and always looking for pushes and cuts.
While Kevin Pietersen took the bowling on his front foot, Alastair Cook was all about playing the long game. Joe Root can be a stretch, he can play the long ball – he’s the best of both worlds, and he’s the best in England.
#1 Works in England win case
Joe Root is the second England player to breach the 10,000 points mark. He reached this milestone after Alastair Cook, but his effect was far superior. As a matter of fact, when he entered the 8,000-race mark, more than 50% of his runs contributed directly to his country’s victories.
This statistic confirms Root’s exceptional ability to deliver decisive performances that greatly influence the outcome of matches.
He’s consistent in a somewhat erratic top order, and even when his Bazball era is making headlines, Joe Root is the glue that has allowed other batters to express themselves. And then, he could also play back-scoops, catches at mid-wicket – all these traits make him England’s all-time best bowler.
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