Sri Lanka v England: Joe Root says tourists need to be 'bolder'
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Sri Lanka v England, first Test |
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Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle Dates: 6-10 November Time: From 04:30 GMT |
Coverage: Live text commentary and The Cricket Social programme on the BBC Sport website and app. |
England will try to be "bolder" and more "courageous" during their forthcoming three-match Test series in Sri Lanka, says captain Joe Root.
The first Test in Galle starts on Tuesday, with the tourists attempting to win a Test series in Sri Lanka for the first time since 2001.
"We've done things in a certain way in the past when we have come to the subcontinent," said Root.
"I think it is time to try something slightly different."
Root said England need to "be a little bit bolder and courageous and maybe really try to exploit every surface that we come up against".
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England have not won an away Test series since their tour of South Africa in 2015-16. The last time they were on the subcontinent they lost 4-0 to India at the end of 2016.
Their preparations have been disrupted by rain, with the opening day of their final warm-up match washed out.
"I do think we've made the most of the opportunities we have had," said Root.
"There should be no excuses going into the game."
More rain in Galle has prevented Root from seeing the pitch for the opening Test.
There have been reports pace bowler Stuart Broad could be dropped to allow England to play an extra spin bowler, while the tourists are undecided if Jos Buttler or Ben Foakes will keep wicket with Jonny Bairstow injured.
"For us to win over here, it is not going to be 11 players - it is going to be a squad performance," added Root.
"There will be times when the balance of the team might change quite drastically and we've got to be open to that and accept that.
"It's not about you individually, it's about us collectively doing something special here."
The match will be England's first Test since 2006 without Alastair Cook, following the opener's international retirement in September.
"I've played 70-odd games and he's been involved in every single one of them," said Root.
"It has been slightly strange him not being around, but it creates opportunities for other guys to stand up and take on that leadership role in the side and the squad.
"You're starting to see that already, which is really promising, and I'm sure that's exactly how he would want it."
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have made a late change to their line-up after bowler Lahiru Kumara was dropped for, according to a statement from the hosts, "breaching the code of conduct of the team".
He has been replaced by Dushmantha Chameera.
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I want him to drum into his players that being positive isn't reckless headless attack at all times. In limited overs, playing out a maiden is a crisis. In a Test, it's a good start.
Trying to smash 6 balls an over to the boundary instead of 4?
Slashing wildly at balls wider of the stumps because they are even more of a freebie?
Attempting to slog more balls over the leg side after fetching them from outside off stump?
More switch hits and ramp shots?
You need to instil discipline, Joe.
DISCIPLINE!!!
Hameed/Robson deserve another go.
Are you kidding - Hameed can barely score a run in Lancashire's 2nd XI!
Jennings is a walking wicket. Technically flawed, he will be found out again on this tour I suspect - hopefully his last for England.
We need to be smarter!
Sounds like 3 spinners with Mo at 3. With 3 spinners you need your best keeper, Foakes looks to be getting the gloves.
We will soon find out.
So far I've seen at least 3 wickets lost to shots that shouldn't have been played at that stage of the innings.
Its a test match Joe.
It's blindingly obvious to everyone here that what you need to bat in SL is a clear head and a deliberate approach. Defend the good ball, hit the bad ball, don't go looking for runs that aren't there. Positive, mature batting.
Hell's teeth, that's just a proper test cricket technique and mindset!
So why is it so hard for the professional payers and coaches to understand?
I agree. England are a stronger team with Woakes in it. Buttler and Foakes pulling the game back a little through sensible test batting. Bold has nothing to do with it.
I agree with 5 - the Angry Breast.
Hameed has scored over 50 only once in two seasons. He's either forgotten how to hold a bat, got a huge hole in it or needs a bell in the ball.