Root the man to take Strauss's Test place: Gillespie

By Graham Hardcastle

Jason Gillespie has backed Joe Root to take over from Andrew Strauss at the top of England’s order in Test cricket.

The 21-year-old has starred for Yorkshire and England Lions this season, leading his club’s County Championship run charts with 668, including a career-best 222 not out against Hampshire at Southampton and the unbeaten 24 he has to his name in the ongoing match against Gloucestershire at Scarborough.

There is no doubt of his talents as an opening batsman, but is he ready to make the step up to the highest level to partner new skipper Alastair Cook?

“I’ve absolutely no doubt he’s ready,” said Gillespie as the rain continues to fall at North Marine Road. “The kid can play. It's whether the selectors feel he needs a bit more grounding in first-class cricket. That's up to the selectors to decide, but he's a very good prospect.

“There's a lot to like about Joe. He's desperate to be successful and he leaves no stone unturned in his quest to be the best cricketer he can be. I think he's a fantastic team player.

“You've seen this year in different forms of the game that he changes his style to suit the situation. He puts the needs of the team above his own.

“I think those kinds of things get noticed - they certainly do with me, his coach at Yorkshire. I certainly don't want to be biased because there's a lot of wonderful players around, but this is potentially a really good opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Yorkshire are hoping for good news from a meeting today between overseas batsman David Miller and the hierarchy of his South African franchise the Dolphins to see whether he will be allowed to represent the White Rose in October’s Champions League. Gillespie is hoping his friendship with Dolphins coach Lance Klusener will help sway the decision.


Date: 30/08/2012 11:56:54 by Graham Hardcastle
In: Yorkshire | Today | England |