Joe Root is determined the “spicy” nature of England’s latest clash with Australia won’t be a distraction when the arch rivals meet for a place in the World Cup final.
Australia’s Nathan Lyon insisted “it’s England’s World Cup to lose”. But Root told reporters at Edgbaston on Monday: “Nathan has a lot to say, a lot of the time, so you just take it with a pinch of salt.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. “It might be a way of taking pressure off himself and his team. I try not to get too involved to be honest. I think there have been times within games when it has got a bit spicy and there have been a few exchanges on the field.
“But generally we will go about things in our own way and just get ourselves ready as best we can,” added Root, who was involved in an infamous altercation with Australia’s David Warner in a Birmingham bar during the 2013 Champions Trophy.
“There has been a lot made of the fear factor of playing against Australia, but I think this group of players over the last four years, their experiences against Australia are very positive,” said Root. “It’s a great chance and a great week, it does feel special.”
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