No. 4 is a position where I enjoy batting: Joe Root

England batting ace Joe Root states he’s not really fussed about his current role at No. 4 in the England Test line-up. The right-hander, who averages 54.62 at the vital position, says he enjoys batting at this position and wants to keep improving. His preference will see Nick Compton continuing to bat at No.3 while James Vince, who will be making his Test debut, will take the No.5 slot.

“I feel that I am getting to grips with that role within the side,” Root said on Thursday (May 12). “I just want to keep improving: whether that means moving up the order or staying were I am that’s fine. No. 4 is a position where I do enjoy batting and I enjoy batting with the guys around me there as well so I think it suits the way my game is set up.”

The 25-year-old feels that healthy completion and sporty rivalry for spots is always beneficial for the team.

“I think that is a good thing,” he said. “You have got opportunities to press your claims; people will be wanting to prove that they are the man to pick.

“I think that is important to have that competition and rivalry – well not rivalry but you know what I am trying to say – where you are always wanting to improve in your practice and I think that sets us up really nicely for the start of the summer.”

Root, who has played with Vince in age group sides, says he is also confident of his friend’s success at the Test level.

“James he’s been around the side all winter in shorter formats and has a fantastic temperament,” Root said. “He has got a solid game which fits beautifully for Test cricket and given the opportunity I’m sure he will take it and perform extremely well and show his class.

“I am really looking forward to him stamping his mark on Test cricket and, if given the opportunity, showing everyone what he can do. In county cricket I honestly think he is one of those players who will come into international cricket and really raise his game.”

Vince batting has drawn comparisons with former captain Michael Vaughan.

“I can see he has that very classical cover drive and the swivel pull I suppose – the two shots that Vaughany was remembered for,” Root said.

“But I think he is his own player. They obviously go about their business completely differently and he will be desperate to prove a name for himself rather than be compared to someone else. He is a fine player and I am really excited he is in the squad and he has the opportunity to show everyone how good he is.”

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