England’s batting talisman Joe Root has strongly defended teammate Jamie Smith following the wicketkeeper’s much-criticised dismissal late on Day 2 of the New Year’s Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Smith’s shot selection, which came just minutes before lunch, sparked intense debate, but Root was quick to explain the thinking behind England’s approach and back the young batter’s intent. At 323/5 and appearing in complete control, England were building towards a commanding first-innings total when Smith fell for 46.
Facing part-time bowler Marnus Labuschagne, the wicketkeeper backed away to a short ball and picked out deep cover, where Australia had stationed a packed boundary. The dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, with England losing their final five wickets for just 61 runs, handing Australia a crucial opening back into the match.
Root, who had earlier produced a masterclass knock of 160, insisted that Smith’s decision was not reckless but rooted in a clear plan. According to the former England captain, the objective was to maximise scoring before Australia took the second new ball, which later proved far more challenging to face.
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“You go into a second new ball and you saw how it reacted. It was completely different,” Joe Root said after stumps. “It was about maximising that ten-over period ahead of facing that new ball. You eke out an extra 20 runs and that could be the difference later on.”
Root stressed that England’s philosophy under head coach Brendon McCullum is about constantly pushing the game forward rather than simply surviving sessions. While the approach has drawn criticism when it backfires, Root believes intent should not be confused with carelessness.
“There was a method behind what we were trying to do. We’re trying to move the game forward all the time,” he added. “When it doesn’t come off, it can look a certain way, but you’re never playing to get out—you’re playing to score runs. As a batter, your job isn’t to survive; it’s to score runs.”
Smith’s dismissal, however, drew sharp reactions from former players and commentators. Ex-England pacer Steven Finn labelled the shot “completely brainless” on TNT Sports, while former captain Nasser Hussain questioned whether it was England’s worst dismissal of the series. Hussain argued that game awareness was lacking, pointing out the proximity to lunch and the impending new ball.
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Joe Root acknowledged the frustration but urged a more measured assessment of the situation. “It’s very easy to over-analyse certain dismissals,” he said. “Sometimes you make a mistake, and you learn from it. There’s no one more frustrated than the guy who’s just lost his wicket.”
While accepting that absorbing pressure is sometimes necessary, Root stood firm in his support. He maintained that Smith identified an opportunity and took it in line with the team’s strategy, concluding emphatically that he would back the wicketkeeper “100 per cent” to make the same call again.
