Overview
- Joe Root has arrived in Perth to join England ahead of the Nov. 21 Ashes opener at Perth Stadium.
- The West Australian ran a front-page "Average Joe" headline, labeling Root a "dud" and "pretender" on Australian pitches.
- England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick backed the No. 1 ICC batter, highlighting his recent growth under Brendon McCullum and confidence in his current game.
- Root’s record in Australia remains stark: 14 Tests with a highest score of 89, an average of 35.68, and a ledger of 12 defeats and two draws against a career average of 51.29.
- England’s only warm-up is a three-day intra-squad match at Lilac Hill, with Trescothick saying quick, bouncy surfaces and their attacking approach can suit their batting.