England coach backs Root to bounce back post T20I omission

England cricket team coach Paul Farbrace has said that right-hand batsman Joe Root will work harder and bounce back strongly after being dropped for the final match of the three-match T20I series against India at the Bristol County Ground.

England had taken the decision to omit Test captain Joe Root to accommodate Ben Stokes, returning after injury, as India went on to win the final T20I by seven wickets to clinch series 2-1.

The coach, however, added that shortage of runs would make his chances bleak as far as the selection is concerned because it is the sole criteria by which a batsman is judged.

"Every player goes through a period where you either find it tough or you're left out the side. We all know that [Joe's] response will be to work harder, try harder and score more runs - that's the nature of him," ESPNcricinfo quoted Farbrace, as saying.

"Yes, he hasn't got any runs in the last couple of games and, yes, that does make you vulnerable in any side. Runs are your currency - that's what you're selected on. It's the same for bowlers - it's about wickets and economy rates in T20 cricket," he added.

Showing immense faith in Joe Root, Farbrace said that he has got all the skills and abilities required to be a successful T20I player.

"It is important in low-scoring games on tough wickets, you need people who can manipulate the strike, who can play spin bowling well, and can keep you in tight games. That's a skill that Joe has - he has the ability to hit boundaries," he said.

"I still think, and I genuinely believe it, that if England are to be successful in T20 cricket over the next couple of years leading into the World Cup, Joe Root will play a magnificent and big part in that. He's our best player - a fantastic player in all forms of the game," he added.

On a related note, England will now head into a three-match ODI series against India, beginning July 12.