Joe Root Declares Australian Ashes Digs Are Insignificant

Former Australian players have been lining up to take shots about key player for months

First it was an ex-Australian cricketer claimed that Root needs to score a century in Australia to be considered an "cricket great"

Then came David Warner now-famous "wave-riding board" comment targeting the England batsman

Last month, another former Australian player excluded Root from a historical England XI on the grounds he hasn't achieved a century in any of his 14 Test matches in down under

The batsman stays unflustered regarding the remarks

"They'll continue saying whatever they wish in any case so why worry worrying about it?" the 34-year-old stated

"It doesn't make much difference

"Looking back five years from now people won't remember Hayden's remarks said to me, Greg's comments, Mark Waugh, whoever it is"

"Everyone will recall on the scoreline and think that is a win for England or not"

Hayden stands as a minority of Australian voices to speak out on Root's side

Addressing Blewett's claim, he said he promised to "go naked" throughout the Melbourne stadium during the upcoming season if Root does not scratch his Australian century itch

That puts expectations for Root like never before possibly, before the series which begins on 21 November

"Perhaps that's true," Root acknowledged

"When all is said and done this Australian visit is not about me

"Should I make runs and making substantial contributions it provides us an excellent chance to win a series down under"

Australian Statistics

Root has mentioned in the past desiring his initial century in down under "excessively"

Root possesses a respectable average of 35.68 in fourteen Test matches in Australia - he has nine fifties - yet his best performance stands under three figures at 89

New Context

On this occasion he comes without carrying of captaincy, responsibilities he held on the two previous tours, additionally he'll be component of the batting lineup and complete squad whose chances of succeeding look improved versus earlier visiting sides

Both Root and plus skipper Stokes have been successful in a Test on Australian shores

"I'm heading there with a totally different role to last time, different circumstances, significantly more experience currently and I feel like I have a really good understanding about my batting and how I plan to handle it within Australian conditions" the batsman stated

"Clearly you have got to apply that and perform adequately at important times, however I feel really comfortable regarding my preparation and eager for the opportunity and challenge coming up"

"Primarily as a senior player the focus is on more than just performing in terms of the runs but every other element related to it"

Optimal Opportunity

Following 120 minutes of training exercises with youngsters at a promotional activity in his hometown, Root amended his statement when asked whether he believes this is their prime chance to win an away Ashes throughout his career with the squad

"It definitely does, to be completely honest," he commented, upgrading an initial assessment of "maybe"

"The aspect that I'm most excited about is going there with a totally new strategy as a playing group"

"We'll have the capability to hit them with a significantly different approach concerning our pace attack

"and the opportunity to possibly field three or four bowlers that bowl 90mph-plus throughout extended spells"

"It's not like we're heading there employing similar tactics and hope for changed results

"We're heading there and attempt to accomplish it using modified approaches which generates excitement"