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England’s Struggle to Find a Reliable No. 3 in Ashes Series
England is currently 1-2 down in the ongoing Ashes series and their upcoming Test at Old Trafford is crucial for keeping their hopes alive. However, they are facing difficulties in finding a replacement for the injured Olie Pope at the no. 3 batting position. Pope’s shoulder injury in the Lord’s Test ruled him out of the Ashes 2023.
In the Headingley Test, England initially tried sending Harry Brook to bat one down, but he was dismissed for only three runs. In their second innings, they promoted Moeen Ali up the order to solve the problem, but he fell for just five runs at no. 3.
Nasser Hussain’s Suggestion for Joe Root
Former England captain Nasser Hussain suggests that Joe Root, currently batting at no. 4, should consider moving up to the coveted no. 3 position. Hussain believes Root is one of England’s best players and should step up for the team. He refers to Root’s statement in the pre-match press conference of the third Test, where Root expressed his willingness to bat at no. 3.
“I’d be trying to convince Joe Root to bat at No.3. They may not do it. He said before the game (third Test) actually, Joe, in the press conference, ‘I’m quite happy to move to No.3,” said Nasser.
“And then obviously, Brook did it, but I would be trying to convince Joe Root to go out and bat No.3. He’s England’s best player. He will end up England’s greatest-ever batter, and that’s where he should be coming in, one down,” he added.
Joe Root’s Stats at No. 3
Joe Root has an impressive record batting one down for England. He has scored 2222 runs at the no. 3 position with an average of 39.67 in 59 innings.
