Root States Aussie Ashes Digs Are Insignificant

Former Australian players have been queuing to make comments about veteran cricketer for months

Initially, Darren Lehmann suggested that Joe Root needs to score three figures in Australia to be considered an "all-time great"

Then came David Warner now-famous "wave-riding board" remark aimed at Root

More recently, Blewett left Root out from a legendary England XI because he hasn't achieved three figures in all of his 14 international Tests in down under

The batsman stays unflustered by the criticism

"They'll continue saying whatever they wish regardless so why concern myself being concerned?" Root stated

"It doesn't make much difference

"Looking back five years from now no-one is going to remember the comments from Hayden commented regarding me, Blewett's opinions, Mark Waugh, anyone else"

"They are going to look back at the final result and view it as a win for England or the opposite"

The legendary opener has been one of the few former players to come out in Root's defense

Addressing Blewett's claim, he said he'd "go naked" at the MCG in the coming months unless Root manages to score his Australian hundred

This places additional pressure on Root more than ever maybe, prior to the matches starting on November 21st

"Possibly so," Root acknowledged

"When all is said and done this Australian visit is not about me

"When I'm batting well and accumulating big scores it gives us a great opportunity to claim the series down under"

Australian Statistics

Root has mentioned in the past wanting his first ton in down under "excessively"

Root possesses a respectable average of over thirty-five in 14 Tests in Australia - he has nine fifties - however his top score remains in double digits at the eighties

New Context

For this tour he arrives without the burden of captaincy, which he carried on his last two visits, and he'll also serve as part of a batting line-up and larger team whose chances of succeeding look improved compared to previous three to have made the trip

Neither Root plus skipper Stokes have won a Test on Australian soil

"I go there in a completely different capacity versus earlier tours, altered situations, significantly more experience at present and I consider that I understand completely of my game and how I plan to handle it within Australian conditions" Root said

"Obviously you must implement that and be good enough when it really counts, but I am very assured regarding my preparation and eager for both the chance and test awaiting us"

"More than anything being an experienced player the focus is on beyond simply achieving through scoring runs but every other element related to it"

Prime Possibility

Substantial time of practice sessions alongside youth at a promotional activity in Leeds, Root has to correct himself upon being questioned whether he believes this is England's best chance to win an away Ashes in his playing years as part of the side

"Absolutely it does, being totally frank," he commented, revising his first response of "perhaps"

"The thing that excites me most is heading there with a completely different approach collectively"

"We'll have the capability to hit them with a substantially altered strategy regarding our pace attack

"and the opportunity to potentially play three or four bowlers capable of bowling over ninety miles per hour throughout extended spells"

"It isn't as if we're heading there using identical methods and hope for changed results

"We're heading there and try and do it a slightly different way which is really exciting"