“From a player’s point of view, we want to know where the position is. Then we can make decisions. I’m desperate to be part of an Ashes series, I always am, it’s that series as an England player that you want to participate in and that’s never. switch to “.
Joe Root says he has yet to make a ‘final decision’ on this winter’s Ashes series amid potentially strict Covid-19 restrictions
Joe Root has yet to make a “final decision” on whether to commit to this winter’s Ashes series, even though he is “desperate” to do what he thinks could be his last Australian tour.
Test captain Root and his teammates are still waiting to know the exact conditions of entry into Australia amid potentially strict Covid-19 restrictions, although talks between England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia are understood to be are in an advanced stage.
England players could receive specific details in the coming days, with a team announcement expected in the week of October 4.
Speaking after being named Male Player of the Year at the 52nd PCA Awards, Root, who has two children under the age of five with his wife Carrie, said: “I feel like it’s very difficult to make a final decision until you know it.
“It’s a bit frustrating, but that’s where we are. From a player’s point of view, we want to know where the position is. Then we can make decisions.”
“Of course it has been a point of discussion all summer, it is a big problem for all of us. That is why it is so important that we get all the information.
“I’m desperate to be part of an Ashes series, I always am, it’s that series as an England player that you want to be in and that will never change.
“The position I’m in in my career, it might be the last chance I have to go, so of course it’s something that you’re desperate to do, desperate to make history there and be a part of something very special.
“I think it’s really important for everyone to make a decision that they feel comfortable with. There are so many different factors that come into play and hopefully we are in a position where it is not an issue.
“We just have to be patient, we just have to wait until we know what is happening and then make a decision based on that.”
Root has yet to achieve a century of testing in Australia, with the 30-year-old’s peak score below a hit of 87 in December 2013, followed by 83 during England’s 4-0 defeat under his captaincy in the tour 2017-18.
He added: “I’m well aware of that and it’s something I desperately want to correct. As a senior hitter on the flank, you want to be the one to score runs.”
“You want to be the one to win those big hundreds. I’ve done it this year so far. But it’s the only place I feel like I’ve underperformed and haven’t brought out the best in myself.
“It’s a great driver for me to go and do it this time. Hopefully that may be the case.”
Joe Root spoke after the 52nd PCA Awards, the most important award ceremony in English cricket.
