ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Watch - Joe Root smashes Trent Boult for an outrageous reverse ramp for a six

Joe Root is holding up one end as England batsmen struggle against New Zealand spinners.

England have begun their title defence in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against New Zealand at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. As both teams entered the ground, fans' expectations rised to another level. The 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s was probably the benchmark they have set for their new building-up rivalry in the game. The efforts to dominate each other in the game look visible in Ahmedabad as well. 

England’s legendary batter Joe Root smashed New Zealand’s key pace bowler Trent Boult for a six with an unlike Root reverse scoop. Root is known for playing most of his shots in an orthodox manner. But since England changed their strategy in white-ball cricket and also the introduction of ‘Bazball’ in tests, Joe Root is improvising more while he is in the action against world class bowlers. Root’s reverse scoop six was a surprise to many around the world. 

Joe Root's reverse scoop against Boult

Kiwi pacer Trent Boult had a tough start in Ahmedabad and gave away runs in his opening spell. Boult was introduced once again in the 12th over to accompany spinner Mitchell Santner. Root faced just 9 deliveries before he launched an attack against Boult. Root reverse scooped Boult for a maximum. He got a length ball on his reach around his bat and flipped his stance to add 6 runs to England's total. Root is still fighting it out against Kiwi bowlers. 

Watch the video here:

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Apart from Trent Boult, the rest of the New Zealand bowlers had a decent outing against England. Defending champions England got off to a flying start as Bairstow smashed Boult for a six in just the second ball of the game. Matt Henry came in and bowled fast to put brakes on the English scoring rate. Joe Root is holding one end as English batters are struggling to find a rhythm against Kiwi spinners.

Mitchell Santenr and Rachin Ravindra have got one wicket each with part-timer Glenn Phillips also chipping in with Moeen Ali’s wicket. Matt Henry dismissed  Dawid Malan (14). Boult conceded 33 runs in his 5 overs and struggled to contain the England batting line-up. New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and invited England to bat first. Ben Stokes is out of the England’s playing XI due to a niggle.