Root Unfazed by Pre-Ashes Criticism as England Star Gears Up for ODI Return
England’s senior batter Joe Root has brushed off pre-Ashes jibes about his technique, insisting he won’t “get his nickers in a twist” as he prepares for a crucial winter that begins with an ODI series against New Zealand and culminates in the Ashes in Australia.
Root, who has never scored a Test century in Australia, will be under the microscope once again as England seek to end a 14-year wait for an Ashes victory Down Under. Former Australian players have already begun the mental sparring, with ex-legspinner Kerry O’Keeffe questioning Root’s ability to handle Australian conditions.
“The first two Tests are huge for Joe Root. They’re nickers’ Tests,” O’Keeffe said on Fox Sports. “Perth? They nick for fun there. Brisbane day-night? Everyone nicks in Bris. Joe Root is a nicker.”
O’Keeffe argued that Root’s tendency to play inside the line leaves him vulnerable to edges outside off stump, a flaw that Australia’s seamers will look to exploit on fast, bouncy pitches.
Despite the chatter, Root remains calm and confident. Speaking in New Zealand ahead of England’s three-match ODI series, he said his preparation is now more mental than mechanical.
“A lot of that prep’s already started back home,” Root explained. “I used to be very technical in how I prepared — making sure everything felt lined up. Now it’s more about how I approach situations, understanding different surfaces, bowlers, and angles. It’s a mental game.”
The upcoming ODIs serve as Root’s final competitive outings before England’s Ashes campaign begins in Perth. Since Brendon McCullum took charge as Test coach, Root has averaged 58.00, yet his record in Australia — 35.68 across three tours — remains modest for a player of his stature.
Root said he feels refreshed and liberated without the captaincy, confident that England’s “Bazball” brand of cricket can challenge Australia in ways previous touring sides could not.
“I’m in a completely different stage of my career. I’m no longer captain, playing some really good cricket, and we’ve got a great group of players,” he said. “Australia are strong in their conditions, but that’s the exciting bit — the opportunity to do something really special.”
Before thoughts turn fully to the Ashes, England have pressing business in the ODI arena. Ranked eighth in the world after winning only eight of their last 23 games, they are desperate to regain form and stability in the 50-over format.
“We’re not an eighth-in-the-world team,” Root said. “If we sleepwalk into it, New Zealand will hurt us badly. But this series is a great opportunity to build on what we started over the summer.”
New Zealand, ranked third, haven’t played an ODI since April, but England’s focus remains inward — on rediscovering rhythm, rebuilding confidence, and ensuring their senior batter enters the Ashes with runs and resolve.
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