“But Joe Root should forget”: Michael Vaughan advises Joe Root to leave up playing attacking cricket against India.

Joe Root has been striving to make a significant impact with his batting against India, but unfortunately, he has struggled to assert himself thus far in the series. Across the two Tests played, Root’s performances have lacked the brilliance typically associated with his batting prowess.

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has weighed in on Root’s struggles, urging him to abandon his aggressive style of play, often referred to as “Bazball,” and instead adopt a more conservative approach in the remaining three Tests against India, especially with the series level at 1-1.

Root’s batting figures in the series so far reflect his struggle, with scores of 29, 2, 5, and 16 in four innings. His dismissal in the second innings of the Vizag Test due to a reckless shot drew criticism from former players.In a bid to find his form, Root even resorted to practicing left-handed before the second Test. Vaughan emphasized the importance of Root prioritizing a traditional approach to his batting, rather than succumbing to the lure of aggressive strokes.

Vaughan (on telegraph) quoted “Some of the batters can score runs by following Bazball. They are good at it. But Joe Root should forget. He doesn’t have to be a Bazballer to score runs.“It is time for the management to tell Root to play his natural game. The Bazball has taken over his mind.”

Recognizing Root’s exceptional ability against spinners, Vaughan compared him to legendary English batter Graham Gooch and expressed disappointment at seeing Root squander his wicket.

“Root knows how to play spin well and he is in the league of Graham Gooch. The way he batted in the second innings of the second Test, it was not him. England can’t beat India if they play like that.”