Australia secured a memorable victory on the final day of the first Test, successfully chasing down a challenging target of 281 with just two wickets in hand. Despite the loss, Root’s individual performance was commendable, scoring an unbeaten 118 in the first innings and a valuable 46 in the second.
Following the defeat, questions have emerged regarding England’s decision to declare in the first innings and their aggressive batting approach in both innings. However, Root affirmed that the team remains undeterred in their approach, even in the face of an unfavorable outcome.
In a video shared by England Cricket on their social media channels after the match, Joe Root expressed, “We are going to be genuine and authentic to what we say we are about as a team. We are never going to fluctuate from that.”
“I think everyone should strap in because if anything this week’s shown that we are well in this series and there is going to be some brilliant cricket to watch throughout, and I am sure there are going to be more close contests as things unfold, and we’ve just got to make sure we get on the right side of it.”
While Root himself was perhaps guilty of losing his wicket at a crucial moment during the second innings, along with attempting adventurous reverse scoops throughout the game, the team stands by their attacking mindset.
Read More: Australia Clinches Thrilling Victory at Edgbaston to Take 1-0 Lead in Ashes Series
England’s decision to declare their first innings at 393/8 on Day 1, allowing their bowlers an opportunity to challenge the Australian openers, has come under scrutiny considering the narrow margins that determined the outcome of the match.
Reflecting on the defeat, Joe Root admitted to feeling extremely disappointed about falling short in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. The home side seemed destined for a memorable victory when Root took a spectacular reflex catch off his own bowling to dismiss Alex Carey.
That wicket left Australia 54 runs shy of the target with only two wickets in hand. However, a sensational unbeaten ninth-wicket partnership of 55 runs between Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon propelled Australia to an improbable two-wicket victory.
“Little bit disappointed, but what a great Test match. For five days as a team, we played some really exciting cricket and pushed the game hard, pushed Australia hard for all of it. It’s bitterly disappointing to be just on the wrong side of things,” Root expressed.
He further assured fans, “Anyone that’s come to any day of the cricket can say they’ve been thoroughly entertained, and they should expect the same for the next four games because we’ll be doing everything we can to continue playing in the same manner and make sure we are on the right side of it next time.”
With Australia taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, the intense battle between the arch-rivals now shifts to the home of cricket, Lord’s, for the second Test, commencing on June 28. England will be eager to bounce back and level the series, while Australia aims to break their Test series drought in England since 2001.