Yorkshire Duo Can Play Key Role In Ashes Success
With England and Australia preparing to renew hostilities in the 2023 Ashes, the experienced Yorkshire duo of Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow will be hoping to play important roles in a home success.
Both players know what it takes to win the Ashes series on home soil after claiming the famous urn the last time back in 2015 and now the pair will be determined to end the wait for an England success this summer.
Root Free To Lead The Charge
Having relinquished the England Test captaincy, Root is free to fully focus on his game for this highly-anticipated series. England are 11/8 in the Ashes betting to win the series, with matches taking place at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval. While England’s recent record in the Ashes has been underwhelming, Root has been a key figure for his country with bat in hand. In all of the last four series, Root has been in the top-three runscorers for England and twice the highest. The Sheffield star’s best return was back in the 2015 Ashes when he managed to score an impressive 460 runs, with the second-highest that year being the then-skipper Alastair Cook with 330.
With Ben Stokes taking the responsibilities of captaincy, Root can afford to focus on his game and try to put together those important innings that can help England win vital Test matches. The 32-year-old has made a career out of winning big games for his country and England will need him to be near his best to help reclaim the urn from their old rivals this summer.
Bairstow Can Let Frustration Out On Aussies
After the nightmare and frustration of missing out on last year’s T20 World Cup due to a freak leg injury, Bairstow is back in time for the Ashes. The 33-year-old slipped while playing golf and his broken leg and dislocated ankle meant he was forced to watch from home as England managed to claim the T20 World Cup on Australian soil. Bairstow was in fine form before the incident in September last year and he will be eager to rediscover his touch against the Baggy Greens this summer.
Making a comeback for Yorkshire at the end of April, Bairstow has had some time out in the middle for his county to get back up to pace. The experienced wicket-keeper, unfortunately, did not get any batting time in the warm-up Test match against Ireland at the start of June. England dominated the contest at Lord’s and after declaring on 524-4 in their first innings, ended up winning the Test by 10 wickets. Despite no time out in the middle against the Irish, Bairstow has a wealth of experience to draw upon for the challenges against Australia that lie ahead.
With Headingley hosting the third Test, Root and Bairstow are set for some reception in Leeds this summer. It’s an intriguing Ashes series to come and both Yorkshiremen can play a big role in keeping the urn on these shores.
