Joe Root responds to Ricky Ponting's 'little boy' jibe as the England skipper prepares to lead the Three Lions in a manner true to himself for today's Boxing Day Test versus Australia
Joe Root has dismissed Ricky Ponting's suggestions that he has looked like a "little boy" leading England in this winter's Ashes. Root acknowledges the former Australia captain's entitlement to his opinion, but points out Ponting has no inside-track on happenings inside the touring squad. The Yorkshireman, who has also confirmed "feisty" Tom Curran will make his debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, insists he will continue to lead England as he sees fit and in a manner true to himself.
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Joe Root
Ponting caused a stir between Tests, after England lost the Ashes with a crushing innings defeat in Perth last week, when he depicted Root as a "little boy" who needs to "step up big time" and has little respect from his own squad.Root said: "He's entitled to his opinion, but he doesn't spend any time in our dressing room or around the squad.
Ricky Ponting
"I'm obviously going to disagree with that. I'm sure if you asked any of the guys in the camp, the coaches or support staff or players, they would back me up on that." Root is confident he is more than capable of taking a firm hand if necessary. "I don't think I go about things as a 'little boy', for sure," he added. "I have my own way of doing things — I think it's important you don't try to be something you're not. I know there are occasions where you might have to be quite strong in front of the group. "I may not appear to do that out on the field. But there are certainly times when I know that I can do that, and I have done that."
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