Joe Root's latest innings of 166 against the West Indies showcased his unique style in limited-overs cricket, characterized by classical techniques rather than brute force. His artful on-drive for the winning runs epitomized his talent and preference for timing and finesse over power. Root's journey in white-ball cricket reflects a sense of outsider status despite being a pivotal player in key victories, including a World Cup win. His ability to surprise even himself, like when he hits sixes, adds a layer of charm to his performances.
The winning moment is perfect. Perfect in concept, in balance, in execution, in placement, in flourish. The ball disappears through mid-on, and before it has even reached the boundary the lid is off and the smile is unsheathed.
For all his brilliance, there has always been a pleasingly jarring quality to Root in limited-overs cricket, even a kind of quiet defiance. His matchwinning 166 against the West Indies on Sunday was perhaps his greatest white-ball innings.
Ultimately, you're playing a game of cricket, Root said a few months ago, during a largely unheralded stint with the Paarl Royals Twenty20 franchise. Most of the basic things within the game are exactly the same.
Root has always felt the need to justify his presence in the white-ball game, has always been aware on some level of his outsider status.
Collection
[
|
...
]