Root ‘can handle England opener role’

Joe Root will handle his transition to opening the batting for England with ease, according to Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon.

Tykes youngster Root has been promoted to the top of the order for Sunday’s Ashes warm-up game against Essex, with Nick Compton left out as national selector Geoff Miller described the Yorkshireman as “currently the best opening partner for Alastair Cook”.

Moxon, himself a former White Rose and England opener, pointed to the fact Root has opened for the White Rose throughout his short career to date and has adapted seamlessly to international cricket. “He’s handled everything thrown at him so well, so far,” Moxon told BBC Radio Five Live.

“He’s a very mature lad for his age and he’s handled everything so far in his international career.

“It will be different, obviously, against the new ball but it’s not as if he’s been thrust in without any experience of batting at the top of the order. I’m sure he’ll handle it fine. It’ll give Jonny Bairstow probably a chance to play as well, so it’s good news for Yorkshire.”

Darren Lehmann, a long-serving Tykes overseas batsman, succeeded the sacked Mickey Arthur as Australia coach on Monday and Moxon backed the appointment.

He suggested Lehmann, who has made a good start to his coaching career with Queensland and the Brisbane Heat, will improve the tourists’ chances in the series beginning next month.

“He’s a laid-back character but very serious about his cricket,” he said. “He’s got a nice balance between being relaxed but focused, and that’s the kind of environment he’ll try create with Australia.

“I think he’ll galvanise them, he’s that kind of character that will. I think England will still win the Ashes, but I think it’ll be more difficult now Darren’s in charge because he will galvanise them.

“He speaks his mind, without a doubt. If there’s something wrong or something needs saying, he won’t hold back.

“People know not to mess with him but he will make the Australia players feel wanted. He’s a colourful character, he likes a beer and a cigarette – he’s not a staid kind of coach. He’s going to be a great asset to Australia cricket.”