The Ashes 2021: England have to be brave in Australia or can expect same results, says Joe Root

England skipper Joe Root says he is “absolutely determined to put the record straight” on his personal and team record in Australia as the Ashes kick off in Brisbane on Wednesday.

This is Root’s third tour of Australia, and he is yet to score a century or win a Test in nine attempts in the country. He averages 38 here, his worst record of any nation he has played in more than twice.

In 2013/14, Root was the child of an experienced England team that were whitewashed, with Mitchell Johnson eviscerating their batting. By the final Test in Sydney, he was dropped, having managed just one half-century in four matches.

Four years later, Root led England on his first tour as captain. This was also a difficult tour, which they lost 4-0. Root averaged 49, and made five fifties, but could not go on to a century and was left in the shade by his opposite number Steve Smith. Sydney was an eventful Test once more, as he was forced to retire hurt with serious gastroenteritis.

Root is in bullish, optimistic mood heading into his third tour. Despite a build-up ruined by rain and distracted by the Yorkshire racism scandal, he is boosted by the return of Ben Stokes.

Personally, Root arrives in fine fettle, having moved to the top of the ICC’s batting rankings this summer having made six centuries this year.

“I’m absolutely determined to put the record straight,” he said. “Look at the two previous tours and in many respects we can only expect better. Performances weren’t good enough and we have to make sure we rectify that this time around.

“Of course the experience of being dropped for the first time was difficult to take [in 13/14] but I think it was actually the making of me in many respects.

“On the last tour I was obviously ill going into that final day which was disappointing as captain of that team, not to be there and take responsibility in the post-match stuff was not ideal. It was difficult to take, not nice with Jimmy [Anderson] having to deal with all of that.

“But I think this time we’re going to try and do things slightly differently from the last two trips and we’ve got to be smart. If we go and approach things in the exact same manner then we’re likely to get similar results so it’s really important we are brave in that respect and really look to take the game to them.”

Root called on his players to make themselves heroes in the knowledge that Ashes success endures like little else in the game.

“We’ve all got opportunities here to really make a name for yourself as an England player,” he said. “It’s where a lot of careers are defined – coming over here and having huge success. That opportunity is there for everyone to try and grasp and really stamp their mark on international cricket and Ashes cricket. So that’s the carrot that’s dangled to the group, that’s something that should encourage everyone and motivate everyone.

“And from my perspective I look back at my two previous times here and I probably put a little bit too much pressure on myself to try and do that. I’m looking at this series to really go out there and try and play in a similar mindset and fashion to how I’ve approached the rest of this year really. I’m really trying to enjoy my batting, trying to keep real clarity in how I want to score my runs and just enjoy what a wonderful series it’s set up to be.”

Asked what he wished he had known on his first Ashes tour and his advice for the youngsters in his squad, Root offered a word of warning.

“You can never really ready yourself for it,” he said. "You can have conversations but I think it is just about embracing it and taking as much in your stride as possible. I didn’t quite expect how hostile it can be and the sort of atmosphere you can walk out to at the Gabba in particular for that First Test match.

“We’re trying to ready the guys for that as best as possible but once you get out there the game doesn’t change. So I think as much as anything it is about getting yourself in that contest with whoever is bowling. Or if you have ball in hand it is about delivering what we have spent so long talking about, planning for, executing and training for in this last couple of weeks.

“It is about staying calm, trying to calm your emotions and just going and enjoying the experience. It is a great opportunity, it’s a brilliant part of your career to be involved in. It is easy to say and sometimes not as easy to do. Throw absolutely everything into it. That’s all you can do as a player and know that you put the work in, you’ve given yourselves the best chance, so go and enjoy it. And show everyone how good a player you are.”