Joe Root talks to the media after arriving in Adelaide ahead of the second Test
Joe Root does not care where he is asked to bat in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide from Thursday as long as he has a place in the team.
The 22-year-old Yorkshire batsman started his Test career batting at number six before moving up to open during the summer’s Investec Ashes series.
In the first game of the return Ashes at Brisbane last week, Root reverted back to six to allow for Michael Carberry’s inclusion, but the absence of Jonathan Trott has created an opening at number three.
Root is in contention for Trott’s spot but for the Sheffield-born star, who offers part-time spin to the team and even kept wicket during a warm-up match in Australia, is comfortable doing any job for his country.
“It doesn’t really matter to me; I just love playing for England,” he said.
“Just to represent my country, regardless of (batting at) three, opening, five, six, it’s been brilliant.
“If I get the chance to do it (bat at three) it will be a great experience and a good challenge for me and I’ll look forward to doing it. But if not, then fine.
“Be it three or five, I’m comfortable, I’m confident and I’m ready to go, regardless of the situation.”
England go into the second Test trailing 1-0, following a 381-run loss at the Gabba. Root insists the team cannot let the performance prey on their minds and must concentrate on levelling the five-match series.
“You can’t really think too much about last week,” he said. “Obviously we didn’t get the runs we wanted as a side and on a personal front as well.
“We’ve got a great opportunity this week to get two quality days' (of) preparation in and then put ourselves in the front seat on that first day in Adelaide.
“This week is going to be massive to grab an opportunity and go out there and make a statement as a team and put massive scores on the board.”
Root is readying himself for just the 13th Test of his career, of which this will be his seventh Ashes appearance. It has been a quick learning curve for the youngster, but he feels he is in the best environment possible to prosper.
He said: “As I’ve only really been playing for a year and as quite a young lad you’ve got to find your feet in and amongst the international arena. There have been slightly different obstacles to overcome.
“The great thing about this side is that we’ve got a strong bunch of players around you who are very good at helping young lads come through. You’ll see that over this tour with the other young lads we’ve got in the side.
“I think you will see them grow as players and contribute in some way, shape or form. That’s definitely been one real strong point for me, knowing those senior players around you are willing to help you and help you become a better player.”