Smith, Williamson, Root, Kohli: Rating the performances of the Big Four in the T20 World Cup 2016

Joe Root

Joe Root led the English batting attack with authority.

Having grown from strength to strength, Joe Root is very much at the heart of the new England team now. The England team look like a much revamped and classy outfit now having undergone a radical makeover after their disappointing performance in the world cup last year.

A bunch of young players who play fearless, exciting cricket, Root is very much the spine of this batting order and adds composed flair to the side. Fans were looking up to him coming into the tournament and he did not disappoint. His display batsmanship skills left everyone mesmerized.

He was consistent throughout the tournament and got runs whenever it mattered. The English opener was the architect of the masterful run-chase against South Africa at the Wankhede when England overhauled an apparently impossible total of 229.

Root was at the centre of it all; playing incredible shots including nonchalant scoops that sailed for sixes. He scored a brilliant 44-ball 83 which was a match-winning effort.

Against New Zealand in the semi-final, he calmed the nerves after a stutter and scored a crucial unbeaten 27 to take his team to the final. While the entire batting order collapsed in the final, Root stood tall scoring a brilliant 54 to ensure that the there was a total of substance on the board.

He seemed to be the surprise package with the ball as in his first over he sent back Charles and Gayle to put the Windies on the backfoot. He did everything he could have done for his team and was unlucky to end up on the losing side. He finished with 249 runs from his 6 matches at an average of 49.80 and a strike-rate of 146.47.

Verdict: Root put in a good shift during the tournament and did everything that was asked of him. From scoring runs continuously and even picking wickets when required, Root showed why he is one of the best players in the world right now. He was also a serious contender for the Player of the Tournament award but lost out to Virat Kohli.

Rating: 9/10