Ashes: Here's why Geoffrey Boycott is disappointed with Joe Root
What's the story
England have failed to regain the urn after succumbing to a 185-run loss to Australia in the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes. As the hosts look to salvage a win in the final Test at The Oval, not all has been going good for them, especially skipper Joe Root. Meanwhile, former English great Sir Geoffrey Boycott is disappointed with Root. Here's why.
Immature leadership
Boycott unhappy with Root's leadership qualities in this series
While he is the fifth most run-getter in this series, so far, he has relatively failed to impress as a skipper. Meanwhile, Boycott feels that Root is lacking the 'feel for captaincy' in this series. "His captaincy has been very disappointing and he has to seriously think about whether he is suited for the job, and whether it is affecting his batting," opined Boycott.
Decision-making
Boycott not impressed with Root's decision-making skills while fielding
Boycott brought forward the fact that while Jofra Archer was bowling perfectly all right, Root's decision to open the bowling with Craig Overton and Jack Leach after tea on Day 4 baffled him. "All the intensity, aggression dissipated. Joe just stood at slip watching (Steve) Smith take the match away from us," Boycott quoted to Daily Telegraph.
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"Captaincy is like playing chess"
"A match can be nip and tuck for long periods. Then, when you see an opportunity you have to attack. I'm afraid Joe does not see his chance early or quick enough and sometimes, he does not see it at all," Boycott further noted.
Mental strength
Boycott questions England's mental strength under Root
Meanwhile, Boycott further pointed out England's lethargic performance since Day 1 of the fourth Test, while he believed Root should have cheered everyone up for the challenge. "There have been crucial moments in all the matches and England have very rarely grasped them. Australia have always been mentally stronger and won the key moments," Boycott continued.
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"He has to spot an opportunity and be positive"
"He has not batted very well for a while and the team spends too long drifting to challenge good sides, such as Australia. He has to spot an opportunity and be positive, but Joe goes on the negative too often too soon," Boycott concluded.