‘Won’t compromise on playing Test cricket for England’ – Joe Root on throwing hat in the ring for IPL 2022 mega auction

England Test skipper Joe Root was clear cut in saying that he won’t compromise on representing the national team in the purest format regardless of the reasons. However, he also put forth his desire of being a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction that is expected to take place in February.

The 31-year-old Root has lately been under immense pressure after the Brits failed to perform to expectations in the ongoing Ashes against Pat Cummins’ Australia. The Three Lions lost the first three Tests to concede the series to the Aussies after which they drew the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Root, also England’s leading run-scorer in the series, is now set to lead the Three Lions in the final and final Test, starting Friday, January 14 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Root said that he’s open to taking part in the IPL mega auction provided it doesn’t put a negative impact on his Test playing career.

Joe Root puts forth his opinions  

“I have not made a decision on that just yet. It is something I will have to keep wrestling with. Time is ticking but I have a lot to weigh up,” Root was quoted as saying in the pre-match press conference.

“The thing I will weigh up is will it have a negative impact on me playing Test cricket for this team. If I don’t then I will put myself in that position to play and put myself in the auction.

“But I will never compromise or do anything that will detract from playing Test cricket for England. It is so important to make sure that is the priority for me and other players as well,” he added.

Root made his T20 debut way back in 2011, but has only played 83 matches in the format, having scored 1994 runs at an average of 32.16 with 13 half-centuries. The veteran hasn’t played T20 cricket for England since the home series against Pakistan back in 2019.

He last played in the shortest format in the inaugural edition of the Men’s Hundred where he plied his trade for the Northern Superchargers.