Ashes: Joe Root falls cheaply in warm-up match
What's the story
England's star batsman Joe Root, who is considered one of the best in the world, had a disappointing start to his quest for a maiden century in Australia. The cricketer was dismissed for just one run off 12 balls in England's only Ashes warm-up match against the English Lions at Lilac Hill Park on Friday. His dismissal came after opener Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had put up a strong 182-run partnership on a flat pitch.
Match details
Root's dismissal
Root was dismissed by backup quick Matt Potts with a short ball, which he simply spooned to Lions skipper Tom Haines for an easy catch. This was not the start England would have hoped for in their warm-up match. The team's inexperience is a major concern as only four out of the 16-man squad - Root, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope and Mark Wood - have played Test cricket in Australia before.
Stats
Poor numbers in Tests
Root, who is the second-highest run-getter in Test history, has blown hot and cold Down Under. In 14 Tests against Australia, Root has scored 892 runs at an average of 35.68 with nine fifties. His best score is 89, and he has three scores in the 80s. Looking back at his previous Ashes tours to Australia in 2013-14, 2017-18, and 2021-22, all ended in humiliating defeats for England.
Batting woes
Brook also struggles
Along with Root, middle-order batsman Harry Brook also had a rough start to his innings. He was dismissed for just two runs after an awkward attempted ramp went straight to mid-on while he was on his backside. These early dismissals put England in a tough spot as they look to prepare for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia at Optus Stadium.