Stand-in coach Paul Farbrace insists Joe Root still has a major role to play in England’s T20 team, tipping the Test captain to bounce back from his surprise axing. The return of allrounder Ben Stokes for England’s T20 International series decider against India forced selectors into the difficult decision of omitting Root from a stacked top order. However, he is expected to return for the three-match ODI series which starts Thursday in Nottingham.
“He is our best player. He is a fantastic player in all forms of the game,” Farbrace said post-match in Bristol. “In T20 you need players who can manipulate the strike and can keep you in the entire game and that is a skill that Joe has.
“He has the ability to hit boundaries. He might not have the power of a Ben Stokes or a Jonny Bairstow but strong cricket shots in T20 cricket will get you where you want.
“I am sure he was bitterly disappointed to be left out because he wants to show he is a quality player in all forms of the game. He will be spurred on by that and he will do everything he can to make sure he is ready for Thursday’s game at Trent Bridge.
“I still think, and I genuinely believe it, that if England are to be successful in T20 cricket over the next couple of years leading into the World Cup, Joe Root will play a magnificent and big part in that. He’s our best player – a fantastic player in all forms of the game.”
