England’s Champions Trophy match against Australia turned intense as England lost two early wickets. A surprising decision saw Jamie Smith promoted to number 3 instead of Joe Root. This move shocked many as Smith failed to perform and got out cheaply.
- Joe Root has outstanding stats at number 3.
- Jamie Smith lacked experience at this position.
- Buttler’s decision may have been to protect Root from the power-play.
Joe Root’s Strong Record at Number 3
Root has proven himself as a world-class batter at number 3. His statistics at this position highlight his consistency and match-winning ability.
Joe Root’s Stats at Number 3:
| Matches | Runs | Average | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102 | 4374 | 49.70 | 29/11 |
Root has scored 4374 runs at number 3, with 11 out of his 15 centuries coming from this position. He is England’s most reliable batter, and placing him at his preferred position increases England’s chances of a strong performance.
Why Buttler Demoted Root?
One possible reason was Root’s poor record in the power-play. Since 2021, Root has struggled when batting inside the first 10 overs:
- Average in Power-Play: 18.8
- Average After Power-Play: 72
But this tactic backfired. Root’s experience and ability to handle pressure make him the best choice for number 3, even in challenging conditions.
Jamie Smith’s Inexperience at Number 3
Jamie Smith has played only 6 ODIs and has never batted at number 3 before. His previous batting positions:
- Number 5: 5 times
- Number 6: 1 time
Promoting an inexperienced player in a high-stakes match was a risky decision. Smith has mostly batted lower down the order, making it difficult for him to adjust at number 3.
Why the Move Failed
- Smith was unfamiliar with the position.
- He was under immense pressure against a strong Australian bowling attack.
- Root, England’s best batter, was forced into an unnatural role.
Jos Buttler’s decision to demote Joe Root for Jamie Smith proved to be a costly mistake. Root’s exceptional record at number 3 and Smith’s lack of experience made this an unnecessary gamble. England needs to ensure their best players play in their strongest positions to maximize their chances of success.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
