Joe Root Says Australian Test Series Digs Are Insignificant

Australian critics have been waiting to offer opinions at England's star batsman for months

First it was Darren Lehmann claimed that Root must make three figures in Australian conditions to be regarded as an "all-time great"

Then came David Warner much-discussed "surfboard" jibe directed toward the veteran cricketer

More recently, Blewett excluded Root from an all-time English team on the grounds he has not reached a hundred in each of his 14 Tests in Australian conditions

Root remains unbothered regarding the remarks

"They'll continue saying exactly what they choose anyway so why concern myself worrying about it?" the 34-year-old said

"It won't create much difference

"When we look back five years from now people won't remember Hayden's remarks stated about me, Greg Blewett, Mark's views, anyone else"

"People will remember at the final result and view it as an English victory or not"

Matthew Hayden has been a minority of Australian voices to come out on Root's side

In response to the exclusion, he said he'd "go naked" throughout the Melbourne stadium during the upcoming season unless Root manages to scratch his Australian century itch

This places expectations for Root more than ever possibly, before the series which begins on November 21st

"Possibly so," Root acknowledged

"Ultimately this tour is not about me

"Should I make runs and accumulating big scores it provides us a fantastic prospect to claim the series down under"

Performance in Australia

The batsman has discussed about previously aiming for his first hundred in Australia "excessively"

He has a decent average of 35.68 in numerous Tests in Australia - including nine half-centuries - but his high score is stuck in double digits at 89

New Context

On this occasion he comes without carrying of leadership, which he carried on prior Australian trips, and he'll also serve as part of a batting line-up and wider squad having opportunities of succeeding appear higher than of the past three to have made the trip

Root along with and captain Stokes have won a Test on Australian soil

"I'm traveling there with a totally different role versus earlier tours, changed conditions, significantly more experience at present and I believe I understand completely of my game and how I want to manage it in the conditions" Root said

"Naturally you need to apply that and excel at important times, yet I'm really comfortable about my current situation and eager for the challenge and opportunity awaiting us"

"Primarily in my veteran role the emphasis lies in not just performing in terms of the runs but all additional aspects that comes with it"

Prime Possibility

Following 120 minutes of training exercises alongside youth at a promotional activity in Yorkshire, the batsman revised his comment upon being questioned if he agrees this represents England's optimal opportunity to secure an overseas Ashes victory during his time with the squad

"Without question it does, to be completely honest," he said, upgrading an initial assessment of "maybe"

"The aspect that I'm most anticipating is heading there employing a fresh tactic collectively"

"We will possess the ability to confront them with a significantly different approach in terms of our bowling attack

"and the opportunity to possibly field several pacemen capable of bowling 90mph-plus throughout extended spells"

"It's not like we'll travel there with the same formula and hope for changed results

"We are going to go there and attempt to accomplish it using modified approaches that's truly exciting"