Joe Root is probably the most-complete batsman I’ve ever played with: Stuart Broad

England fast bowler Stuart Broad gas lauded his team-mate Joe Root and believes he is the “most complete batsman” he has played alongside.

“I think Joe’s probably the all-around, complete player,” said Broad, speaking at an event staged by series sponsors Investec. I think in 10 years’ time there’s no doubt well be sat with a glass of red saying, ‘Wow, I’m lucky to have played with that Root fella — look at his record in all formats’,” the England paceman added.

“If I had to pick two batsmen to bat for my life, I’d pick Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott, but I think Joe is probably the most complete batsman I’ve ever played with,” added Broad. He has fewer weaknesses — he’s a fantastic player of spin, a good player of the short ball, a good player of quick bowling.

“He is a brilliant team-man in the way he plays and he’s got every tempo and every shot in the book.”

Also, read – Justice Lodha pleased with the SC verdict approving recommendations

Root cracked his career-best 254 against Pakistan in the second Test at Old Trafford to enabled his team post a mammoth 330-run win over Pakistan that saw England square the four-match series at 1-1 after the Lord’ debacle.

“He’s a very rounded guy and I know he’ll be desperately hungry to get another big score next week.”

Versatility has been the key for Root. He has been a permanent part of the English team in all formats and plays a wide range of stroke. However, Broad noticed that Root’s double century in Manchester saw him deliberately avoid certain strokes.

Also, read – Eden Gardens to have Lord’s like ‘Bell’

“For him to rein in his shots slightly and just say, ‘I’m going to bat big’, was a great example of how to put the team first,” said Broad.

“He knew that first-innings runs were going to be vital at Old Trafford and he did it in a no-risk way. I think that was one of the best knocks I’ve seen for England.”