Revisiting Joe Root's woes versus Scott Boland in 2021-22 Ashes
What's the story
Joe Root, the world's top-ranked Test batsman, will be looking to score his maiden century on Australian soil during the upcoming Ashes series. Though the 34-year-old Englishman boasts an impressive Test record, he is yet to register a three-figure knock in Australia. Meanwhile, Scott Boland was Root's main nemesis in the last Ashes series Down Under - in 2021-22. Here we revisit Root's struggles against the Aussie pacer in that series.
Stats
Boland's dream debut and Root's disaster
Notably, Boland made his Test debut in the 2021-22 Ashes. He made great use of the opportunity and played a vital role in Australia's 4-0 triumph. While many England batters struggled against him, Root looked absolutely clueless. The batter fell to him four times across six innings in that series, managing just 39 runs at a poor average of 9.75, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Information
Boland only behind Cummins
While Boland has trapped Root four times Down Under, Pat Cummins is the only bowler to have trapped the former England captain more times in Tests in Australia (5). Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood have three wickets apiece in this regard.
Numbers
Root scored three fifties in the 2021-22 Ashes
Though England suffered a 0-4 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes, Root top-scored for his side with 322 runs at an average of 32.20 in 10 innings with three fifties and a best of 89. Boland, meanwhile, made a stupendous start to his Test career, scalping 18 wickets across three Tests in that series at a sensational average of 9.56. The best bowling figures of that series also went to Boland's credit - 6/7.
Performance analysis
Root averages 35.68 in Australia
Overall, Root, who is the second-highest run-getter in Test history, has played 14 Tests in Australia, scoring 892 runs at an average of 35.68. 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. Hence, Root would be raring to turn the tables this time around.