England motivated by ‘headbutt’ laughs ahead of 2nd Ashes Test vs Australia | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

England motivated by ‘headbutt’ laughs ahead of 2nd Ashes Test vs Australia

Agence France-Presse, Adelaide | ByAgence France-Presse
Dec 01, 2017 11:03 AM IST

Despite losing the first game, Joe Root said England are motivated ahead of the second Ashes Test vs Australia in Adelaide.

Captain Joe Root says England will use Australia’s glee over Jonny Bairstow’s headbutt controversy as motivation for tomorrow’s crucial second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

England cricket captain Joe Root comments about the Ashes series vs Australia in Adelaide on Friday.(AP)
England cricket captain Joe Root comments about the Ashes series vs Australia in Adelaide on Friday.(AP)

The tourists were not amused over pictures of Steve Smith laughing while team-mate Cameron Bancroft recounted the England wicketkeeper’s “weird” headbutt greeting, following Australia’s 10-wicket first Test victory in Brisbane.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

While Root said it was important to move on from another unwelcome distraction following suspended star all-rounder Ben Stokes’ availability saga. But he also chided Australia over how they manipulated the Bairstow incident.

READ | Australia stick with same team for 2nd Ashes Test vs England

Asked at today’s media conference if he would use the Bairstow banter as motivation, Root fired back: “Absolutely.

“You look at the pictures from that press conference and I think it’s very important you be very careful how you interpret that,” he said.

“I’d like to think that Steve Smith has a good amount of humility about him and that he’s laughing at the scenario and the comments rather than the situation of things.”

Root was more strident while talking to the travelling English cricket media, saying he was “very disappointed” in Australia’s reaction.

“Well, if that’s not motivation to the players I don’t know what is,” he said.

“At the end of the game you are obviously very disappointed but to see a reaction like that in a press conference is... I mean if that can’t get you up for the next game then I don’t know what can.”

Niggle and banter

READ | England cricket team’s Moeen Ali doubtful for 2nd Ashes Test vs Australia

England are also miffed that Australia’s players used sledging about the headbutt to goad Bairstow into playing a loose shot, triggering a lower order batting collapse as they were skittled for just 195 in the second innings in Brisbane.

“I think there’s a place for a bit of banter out on the field, as long as it stays as banter and doesn’t become more than that,” Root said.

“And if it does, the umpires need to make sure it has a line that stops at the same place for both sides.

“You want there to be a bit of niggle and a bit of banter flying around. It’s good for the game, it’s good to watch, it’s good to be involved in.

“But there are certain things that people know they shouldn’t say on the field and I think it’s important that both sides, not just one side, get that right and don’t overstep any more.”

Root said a decision would be made after Friday’s final practice on Moeen Ali’s injured spinning finger before finalising his eleven.

READ | James Anderson raised concerns about ‘dangerous’ bowling in 1st Ashes Test

“His batting has been a huge part of our team for a long time. I think he could still play as a batter,” he said.

“We’ll have to look at the situation with Moeen, see how bad it is, look at the conditions but it’s definitely not out of the question,” Root added, when asked about the possibility of a debut for 20-year-old leg-spinner Mason Crane.

Root also gave an indication that Moeen, if he plays, would again bat ahead of Bairstow in the absence of Stokes.

“He’s a top-class batter and he’s someone who has the potential to go on and become one of the best batters in the world,” he said.

Holders England are bracing for an all-out effort to get back into the Ashes series. An England team have not won or drawn a series in Australia after losing the first Test since 1954-1955.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On