'He's Arguably the Finest Player'- Jos Buttler Heaps Praises on Joe Root
Joe Root voluntarily joined the England squad for the ODI series against Ireland (AP News)
England skipper, Jos Buttler, has thrown his weight behind Joe Root, declaring that Root could arguably be the most exceptional player on their roster.
Joe Root has been making headlines for his decision to voluntarily join the England squad for the ODI series against Ireland. His motivation for this choice is his unwavering commitment to rediscovering his form in 50-over cricket, particularly with the looming World Cup in sight. The match is slated to take place at Headingley on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023.
Root's choice to step away from ODI cricket follows a series of disappointing performances in the New Zealand ODI series. His struggle to find his form was evident as he recorded a series of low scores, sparking concerns about his preparedness for the upcoming World Cup.
In the first three matches against New Zealand, Root could only muster 6, 0, and 4 runs, followed by a somewhat unconvincing 29 in the fourth ODI at Lord's. This lackluster performance emphasized his difficulty in adapting to the format. Since the 2019 World Cup, Root has had only 16 opportunities to bat in ODIs, which could have played a role in his current form.
Luke Wright, England's chief selector, revealed prior to England's three-match series against Ireland that Root has requested additional time to rediscover his form and prove his suitability for the ODI World Cup.
"It's great for someone to have that desire to keep wanting to do more," Wright said ahead of the first ODI that is set to be played on 20 September. He just wanted a bit more time."
In an interview with Sky Sports, Buttler expressed that Root's decision to make himself available for the Ireland series reflects his strong desire to play.
"It clearly demonstrates his strong appetite for playing," Buttler remarked. "He's someone who, due to the demanding schedule in the past four years, hasn't had as many opportunities to participate in 50-over cricket as he would have preferred."
Buttler also voiced his support for Root in the lead-up to the World Cup, asserting that Root is well aware of the necessary steps to regain his form and prepare for the upcoming ICC event in India.
"As a seasoned player, he understands his requirements perfectly. He's arguably the finest player in our team, and he possesses the knowledge and determination needed to prepare effectively. It was a straightforward decision for all parties involved."
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