Joe Root Declares Aussie Ashes Comments Will Be Forgotten

Former Australian players have been lining up to take shots at England's veteran cricketer for months

Initially, Darren Lehmann claimed that Root needs to score a century in Australian conditions to earn the status of an "cricket great"

Subsequently the Australian opener well-known "surfboard" comment directed toward the England batsman

In recent weeks, Blewett omitted Root from a historical England lineup due to the fact he hasn't achieved three figures in each of his 14 international Tests in Australian conditions

England's star maintains unflustered about the comments

"They'll continue saying what they want in any case so why bother being concerned?" the 34-year-old stated

"It won't create significant change

"In retrospect in five year's time nobody will recall Hayden's remarks stated about me, Greg's comments, Waugh's statements, whoever it is"

"People will remember at the final result and view it as a historic England win or the opposite"

Hayden represents among the rare former players to speak out supporting Root

Addressing Blewett's claim, he said he'd "walk without clothes" throughout the Melbourne stadium in the coming months if Root does not achieve his Australian ton

This places expectations for Root unprecedentedly perhaps, before the series starting on November 21st

"Maybe it is," the batsman admitted

"When all is said and done this series isn't centered on me

"When I'm batting well and making substantial contributions it gives us a great opportunity to secure victory down under"

Performance in Australia

Root has mentioned earlier wanting his first ton in Australia "too much"

The player maintains a respectable average of over thirty-five in 14 Tests in down under - with nine scores over fifty - but his high score stands under three figures at 89

Changed Situation

For this tour he travels without carrying of being captain, something he had on the two previous tours, additionally he'll be member of a batting order and wider squad with prospects to perform well seem better versus earlier three English teams that toured

Neither Root nor captain Ben Stokes have achieved victory in an international Test on in Australia

"I'm heading there with a totally different role versus earlier tours, different circumstances, much greater familiarity at present and I consider that I grasp thoroughly of my game and how I plan to handle it down under" Root explained

"Naturally you need to implement that and excel when it really counts, but I am really comfortable about my current situation and looking forward to both the chance and test that lies ahead"

"More than anything as a senior player the focus is on more than just performing in terms of the runs but everything else accompanying it"

Prime Possibility

After two hours of training exercises with youngsters during a charity event in his hometown, Root has to correct himself when asked whether he believes this represents England's optimal opportunity to secure an overseas Ashes victory in his playing years in the team

"It definitely does, to be completely honest," he commented, revising his first response of "probably"

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

"We will possess the ability to confront them with something quite different regarding our bowling lineup

"and the opportunity to possibly field multiple fast bowlers who deliver 90mph-plus throughout extended spells"

"It isn't as if we're heading there using identical methods and anticipate altered outcomes

"We're heading there and try and do it a slightly different way that's truly exciting"