Root and Brook cannot handle county cricket's most basic tactic

County cricket’s “keeper up” tactic is again highlighted as a recurring problem for England Test batters, especially Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root was dismissed lbw three times in as many innings, with Nathan Smith responsible for the latest incident after Root had been trapped by medium-fast bowlers Matt Henry and Smith earlier this summer; four of his five dismissals this season are said to have come via Smith or Henry, and reviews did not change the out verdict. Even on a flatter pitch where he has five of his 41 Test centuries, a small defensive issue is described as enabling the tactic. The article links the strategy to New Zealand’s earlier use against England and its wider adoption by Australia last winter, citing examples including Alex Carey against Scott Boland and Michael Neser, and this time Tom Blundell plus concussion substitute Zak Foulkes. It also notes Mohammad Abbas of Pakistan may benefit later in the summer, while England’s Rob Key and earlier selection decisions are referenced.