Root Declares Aussie Test Series Jibes Will Be Forgotten

Former Australian players have been waiting to make comments at England's star batsman throughout the year

The comments began when an ex-Australian cricketer suggested that Joe Root requires a century in Australian conditions to be regarded as an "all-time great"

Then came David Warner much-discussed "surfing board" jibe targeting Root

In recent weeks, Blewett excluded Root from a historical England lineup because he has not reached three figures in any of his 14 Test matches in down under

Root remains unconcerned by the criticism

"They are going to say exactly what they choose anyway so why worry worrying about it?" the experienced player commented

"It won't create significant change

"In retrospect after five years no-one is going to remember Hayden's remarks commented regarding me, Greg's comments, Mark Waugh, anyone else"

"People will remember at the final result and view it as an English victory or otherwise"

Hayden represents among the rare commentators to come out in Root's defense

In response to Blewett's statement, he stated he promised to "walk nude" throughout the Melbourne stadium in the coming months unless Root manages to score his Australian hundred

That creates additional pressure on Root unprecedentedly perhaps, before the series starting on 21 November

"Maybe it is," Root acknowledged

"When all is said and done this Australian visit doesn't revolve around me

"When I'm batting well and scoring heavily it gives us a fantastic prospect to secure victory down under"

Root's Australian Record

Root has spoken about previously desiring his initial century in Australian conditions "too much"

The player maintains a decent average of 35.68 in 14 Tests in Australia - including nine half-centuries - yet his best performance remains under three figures at 89

Different Circumstances

This time he comes without the burden of captaincy, something he had on his last two visits, additionally he'll be member of a batting order and complete squad with prospects of succeeding look improved versus earlier three English teams that toured

Neither Root plus skipper Stokes have won a Test on Australian soil

"I go there with a totally different role to last time, altered situations, significantly more experience currently and I consider that I have a really good understanding about my batting and how I want to manage it within Australian conditions" the batsman stated

"Naturally you need to put that into practice and perform adequately during crucial moments, however I feel really comfortable regarding my preparation and eager for the challenge and opportunity coming up"

"More than anything being an experienced player the focus is on not just performing in terms of the runs but all additional aspects related to it"

Optimal Opportunity

Following 120 minutes of cricket drills with youngsters at a promotional activity in Yorkshire, Root amended his statement when questioned whether he believes this is their prime chance to secure an overseas Ashes victory in his playing years as part of the side

"It definitely does, if I am being brutally honest," he commented, upgrading an initial assessment of "perhaps"

"The thing that excites me most is heading there with a totally new strategy as a team"

"We're going to be able to confront them with a significantly different approach concerning our bowling attack

"and the opportunity to potentially play several pacemen who deliver over ninety miles per hour consistently"

"It isn't as if we are going to go there employing similar tactics and anticipate altered outcomes

"We are going to go there and attempt to accomplish it a slightly different way that's truly exciting"