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Ashes 2019: Trevor Bayliss Backs Joe Root as Captain
By Shruti - Sep 13, 2019 11:53 pm
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England coach Trevor Bayliss has backed Joe Root to continue as captain even after the Ashes. Although Australia retained the Ashes, he was questioned for his captaincy. Bayliss who is all set to part away from England, his final game is going on at the Oval.

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Joe Root after his scintillating knock

“He’s not come under question from anyone making any decisions,” Bayliss told reporters ahead of the final Ashes Test. “He’s under no pressure at all. Everyone goes through periods where they don’t score as many runs as they’d like. I think the Australian team have bowled pretty well to him, so we’ll see how things go further down the line.”

“From my point of view, he was our premier batter and the Australians always try and target the opposition captain. He’s played well when he’s got starts and I don’t see too many problems. Sometimes you can only be as good as the players you’ve actually got in the team. We’re probably still looking for a number of players to make that XI as strong as it possibly can be. He’s doing everything he possibly can to make that right,” he added.

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“But I think he’s getting better all the time. And some of the guys he’s got with him are going be important: people like Ben Stokes. Those two guys going forward are in a good position. Right now I can’t see too many others that would suit the job. But those two together can take this team forward,” he said. “I’m a hard marker – on account of their being room for improvement. Indeed, the limited-overs side has progressed with the tournament win this summer and an appearance in the 2016 World Twenty20 Final.”

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Joe Root

“I said to my wife before I came over, I’d love to win at least one of the trophies. When we won the first one, the World Cup, I felt a bit greedy. I would have loved to have gone out on a high but it’s professional sport – while you go out wanting to win every game and every series, it’s obviously not just possible. There are other good players and other good teams out there,” he shared.

“It’s the natural time to go. I’ve said all along, I’ve never spent more than four or five years somewhere, whether you’re doing well or not. It’s time for the lads to hear a new voice. I’m quite happy to be heading home now but with fond memories. I’m sad to leave in one way. There’s been plenty of good people I’ve been able to work with – from players to coaching staff, management staff, ECB, county coaches and administration. I’ve been welcomed with open arms, it’s been fantastic,” he concluded.