Joe Root reveals harsh words from batting coach motivated him to score double century

Regarded by many as one of the best modern-day batsmen, Joe Root admitted that it was the harsh words from their batting coach Mark Ramprakash that motivated him to score a scintillating double century in the 2nd Test at Old Trafford. Courtesy his double century, the English side came back strongly in the series and levelled it at 1-1.

Root, the No.2 Test batsman in the ICC rankings had given away his wickets far too easily this summer. He had been batting well but after settling down he was giving away his wickets far too cheaply.

His self-destructive dismissals made English batting coach Mark Ramprakash question him whether he was even in the right frame of mind to play Test cricket.

The England star admitted getting shocked at Ramprakash’s words but took in his stride to come out stronger. Though he was hurt, he vowed to learn from his mistakes and the results were immediate. A terrific double century followed as England crushed Pakistan by 330 runs, after the shocking defeat at Lord’s.

“But, of course, I thought about it and really homed in on practice and how I wanted to approach the rest of the series”, Root said

“It was a good motivator to get me in the right place. Ramps said it must be my mental approach to things because my game looked in good order and I was playing well in the nets.

“It was exactly what I needed to hear. That’s why he is such a good batting coach”. Root who is at the peak of his career felt perhaps it was the tempo at which he expects to score in One day cricket was affecting his Test batting.

Root who made his Test debut against India in the year 2012 has been a prolific run-getter across all formats. He is being considered by many as the modern great of the game alongside Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers and his records speak for itself.

In such a short span he has a Test batting average of over 56 with 10 centuries and 21 half centuries. He will be eager to continue his good form going into the 3rd Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston.