BATTING ROOTSTAR

England's batter has not just adapted to the firebrand cricket of the team, but is thriving, Swaroop Swaminathan speaks with his formative coach to find out more about the transition

- Swaroop Swaminathan

IN the formative days of Bazball, England were treated to a speech by skipper Ben Stokes. The still newly-appointed captain had watched Elvis before the rescheduled fifth Test of the India — England series. Stokes, a totemic figure himself, was so inspired by what he saw on screen. Basically, Stokes, in his speech on the first morning of the Test, challenged his team to be ‘rock stars’.

Easier said than done. Some have the persona ingrained in them. Others? Not so much. Joe Root, for instance, is more suited to being a class prefect than a rock star. More squeaky clean Yorkshire lad and less the Memphis’ King. But Bazball isn’t about trying and imitating something or someone. It was about creating an environment of fun, with entertainment being one of the primary currencies in town. The fine print — finding the best route to success — was the destination but there would be no arguments about the journey.

Root said as much after his match-winning 100 against India in the 5th Test in July 2022. “Ben wanted us to be entertainers. He mentioned trying to be rock stars on the field,” Root had said. “It’s about trying to have fun and relish every opportunity you get to showcase what you are about and put on a show for everyone. I do not think I will ever be able to feel or look like a rock star, but for 10 seconds I might have done today.”