I don't have any fears about my T20 career: Joe Root

England took a big decision of dropping Joe Root in the deciding T20 International in Bristol on Sunday in order to accommodate Ben Stokes. Ever since then there have been calls of his T20 career getting over prematurely as he is unable to play like his other teammates who love to go bonkers from the word go. However, the man himself, Root is not at all worried about his career in the shortest format and has stressed that the team comes first for him.

He was dropped for the first time in five years from the team as Stokes was included in the playing XI at the eleventh hour. It is a known fact that Root has struggled to make a mark in the T20Is recently and his playing style differs immensely compared to the other batsmen in the side. But a batsman like him is needed as the boom or bust approach can go wrong at any moment for England.

Playing for England comes first

Joe Root, while speaking in the pre-match presser, was clear in his mind about his future in the T20 format. He believed that his T20 career has not finished but also went on to say that his country comes first for him.

“I don’t have any fears about it, I want to see us being as complete a side as possible in all three competitions, but I want to be a part of them. Playing for England comes first. All the domestic tournaments around the world have to fit around playing for England,” he said.

Root was also confident of doing well in T20s going forward and felt that he has the ability to become a T20 cricketer. Moreover, he also supported the decision of him being left out of the side for the third and final T20I against India.

“I’m fully confident in the ability I have in that format. I can perform in T20 cricket. I don’t see it as a closed door for me, but I have to make sure, in the limited opportunities I have, to keep performing. I fully understood the decision, that’s part of having a really strong squad. You never like it as a player, but having been captain myself I know how hard it can be,” he added.

[interaction id=”5b45fd6c6be52b4e4a200fce”]

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates