England captain Joe Root defended the decision to bat first in the Gabba Test while urging his batting unit to step up under taxing circumstances, as per Cricbuzz. Root’s call to bat first in the Ashes opener in Brisbane came under the scanner after England were bowled out for a shambolic 147 in the first innings inside two sessions. Root also defended his team combination, one that saw the visitors leave a total of 1156 Test wickets on the bench by resting senior fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Joe Root defends England’s selections and his decision at the toss after their nine-wicket hammering in the first Test at Brisbane https://t.co/izDOfXuqXi
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) December 11, 2021
