Adaptable Root wants to excel

By Avishek Roy | Mail Today – Sun 27 Jan, 2013 11:18 AM IST

Root has had a fine run on the Indian tour. One word that Joe Root uses prominently in his conversations is 'adaptability', a quality needed to excel in all the three formats of the game.

The fact that in a short time, Root has made it to the England team in all formats shows how much the Yorkshireman believes in it.

"It's just nice to be a part of it. It's all happened really quickly for me. Just trying to find my feet and take it in my stride and enjoy every minute of it.

It's what you dream about as a kid,” Root said on Saturday.

"Coming into the international arena, you have got to be adaptable, and [also] going forward as an international cricketer. That is what I am aiming to do, and try and do whatever is required for the team. If it means rebuilding in the middle or trying to get on with it towards the end, then I try to find a way to do it successfully.

"It is about trying to do what is required for the team. It's a different challenge, making sure I rise to the opportunity and try and be successful. The next couple of months are a great opportunity.” Root has recently been named in all three squads for England's tour of New Zealand next month.

Root says has enjoyed playing in front of big crowds in India. "When you play in front of crowds, it is not hard to get absorbed and really enjoy it. As a kid, you want to play on the big occasion, you want to play for England and I don't see the point in getting nervous about it,” he said.

The series has not gone well for England, and Root hopes they can at least finish with a win here.

"Obviously it is very disappointing the way the series has gone, as a team. Personally, it has been nice to score some runs, but it always feels a little bit better when you come out winning,” he said.

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