Root Says Aussie Test Series Jibes Will Be Forgotten

Commentators down under have been queuing to make comments about key player for some time

The comments began when an ex-Australian cricketer stated that Root must make three figures in Australian conditions to be regarded as an "all-time great"

Subsequently the Australian opener much-discussed "wave-riding board" remark directed toward Root

Last month, another former Australian player excluded Root from a historical England XI due to the fact he has not reached a hundred in any of his 14 international Tests in Australia

England's star maintains unbothered by the criticism

"They are going to say what they want in any case so why bother thinking about it?" the 34-year-old said

"It won't create a huge amount of difference

"When we look back in five year's time nobody will recall Hayden's remarks commented regarding me, Greg Blewett, Mark's views, anyone else"

"They are going to look back the series outcome and view it as a win for England or otherwise"

Matthew Hayden has been a minority of Australian voices to come out on Root's side

Reacting to Blewett's claim, he said he would "go naked" around the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the coming months unless Root manages to scratch his Australian century itch

This places expectations for Root unprecedentedly perhaps, prior to the matches starting on the 21st of November

"Possibly so," Root acknowledged

"At the end of the day this series isn't centered on me

"When I'm batting well and making substantial contributions it offers us a fantastic prospect to win a series out in Australia"

Performance in Australia

Root has mentioned about previously desiring his initial century in Australia "excessively"

The player maintains a respectable average of 35.68 in numerous Tests in Australian venues - with nine scores over fifty - however his top score remains under three figures at 89

New Context

This time he comes without carrying of captaincy, something he had on the two previous tours, and he'll also serve as member of a batting order and larger team whose chances for success look improved versus earlier visiting sides

Root along with plus skipper Stokes have won a Test match on Australian shores

"I'm heading there with a totally different role versus earlier tours, different circumstances, much greater familiarity at present and I feel like I have a really good understanding regarding my technique and how I plan to handle it in the conditions" Root explained

"Clearly you have got to put that into practice and perform adequately at important times, yet I'm quite confident regarding my preparation and looking forward to the challenge and opportunity awaiting us"

"More than anything as a senior player the emphasis lies in not just performing in terms of the runs but all additional aspects related to it"

Prime Possibility

Substantial time of practice sessions with young players at a Chance to Shine event in Leeds, Root has to correct himself when questioned if he agrees this is England's best chance to secure an overseas Ashes victory throughout his career with the squad

"It definitely does, being totally frank," he said, upgrading an initial assessment of "probably"

"The aspect that excites me most is going there employing a fresh tactic as a team"

"We'll have the capability to confront them with a substantially altered strategy concerning our bowling lineup

"plus the chance to potentially play several pacemen capable of bowling 90mph-plus throughout extended spells"

"It isn't as if we are going to go there using identical methods and hope for changed results

"We are going to go there and try and do it through altered methods which is really exciting"