By Michael Norwood
February 26 2013

The rise and rise of Yorkshire's Joe Root is surely going to be notched up another level this week, when England may well place him at the top of the order to partner skipper Alastair Cook in test matches, and it could well prove to be a dream come true for the youngster who has impressed many so far.... 

Root edged into the final test in India, batting at number six, in place of Samit Patel, and made an impressive 73.

That alone, would probably had not been enough to quickly move upto open alongside Cook, but his stock has risen so much in the T20 and 50 over formats, in New Zealand, that he is more than a serious rival to Nick Compton to open for England in the longest forms of the game.

Whilst it would be harsh on Compton, who proved more than capable of opening, in touch conditions out in India, although he didn't go on to make a large total in any of his innings, it will show that England still have faith in Jonny Bairstow, who could be retained at the number six position.

It is a dilema which can only be good for English cricket however, but for now all the eyes are on Root and what he can acheive in the game, remember he is still only 22.

He has always wanted to play for England, in particular in an Ashes series, and barring a disaster in this test series with New Zealand, will surely get his wish.

“Ever since I was a little kid I have dreamed about playing Ashes cricket,” Root said on Monday to the media hoardes. “But there’s a long time until then – a massive series here and then another one in England so I’m concentrating hard on the next couple of weeks"

With his feet still firmly on the ground, Root went on “The next game for me is the most important one, making sure I do well in that. I’ll take it game by game and ball by ball and see where we’re at by the end of the tour.”

Talk of Root as a future test captain of the England Cricket Team, is certainly premature, but if he can display the same attitute whilst opening the batting for his country, there is no reason that he has a long promising career ahead of him.

Who do you think should open the batting for England in the upcoming series? Root or Compton? Have your say below....

Root's Dreams to Come True?

Discussion started by England Cricket (IP Logged), 26/02/2013 19:07

England Cricket
26/02/2013 19:07

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