After India’s win, Gabba no longer a stronghold for Australia: Joe Root

The Ashes series is all set to commence from December 8. Ahead of the high-profile series, the England Test skipper Joe Root has asserted that Gabba is no longer the stronghold of the Australian team. He recounted India’s historic win at the venue and stated that owing to this, doubts will linger in Australia’s mind.

India registered a thumping victory over Australia in January and broke their undefeated Test streak at the ground. What further garnered the audacity of the win is that the team did not have some of their first-choice players but exuded great character to secure an impressive victory. Root, who is expected to depart alongside England’s red-ball specialists this week, asserted that it will give players in their squad confidence.

“Look at that India team that won at the Gabba. They were a long way from their first-choice XI but they had no fear. They stood up to Australia and won crucial parts of that Test. It will give every player in our squad a huge amount of confidence and just plant a little bit of doubt in Australia’s mind. Having to go back there and play again for the first time against us, what with it being such a stronghold for them for such a long period of time. We now know that it’s not,” Joe Root said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

It was just such a joy to hear Ben Stokes speak: Joe Root

England all-rounder Ben Stokes had taken an indefinite break from cricket. He had taken the decision with the view of focusing on his mental well-being and was also recovering from a finger injury. However, Stokes is available for the upcoming Ashes series and Root expressed his happiness on having him back in the team for the marquee event.

“I’d got an inkling. I’d had some good conversations with Ben over the period while he’s not been playing. It was just such a joy to hear him speak. You could almost hear his smile, if that makes sense, down the phone. You could tell he was so much happier within himself,” Root added.