Joe Root stands alone after old mate Ben Stokes runs out of road

Joe Root and Ben Stokes have been close friends since they were young, playing together for their local teams as children. Root recently shared a touching speech in the dressing room, admitting that Stokes even taught him his first swear word. This feels symbolic, as if Stokes has had a similar, perhaps surprising, effect on English cricket over the last four years.

In his speech, Root expressed his gratitude for their journey together, saying, 'It’s been a hell of a ride mate, I’ve loved every minute of playing alongside you.' Stokes appeared moved but also characteristically uncomfortable with such heartfelt praise.

Together, Root and Stokes have played 225 matches for England. They have celebrated major victories like the Ashes and World Cup wins, but also faced tough times, including difficult tours of India and Australia. While Stokes has had a more public struggle off the field, Root also had an early experience of negative media attention.

Back in 2013, after a cricket match in Birmingham, a 22-year-old Root was punched by Australian player David Warner outside a bar. Warner, who was later suspended, gave a weak excuse for the attack. This incident, though less serious, gave Root a small glimpse into the kind of difficult situations his friend Stokes would later face.

Root's calm nature might seem different from Stokes's more energetic personality, but they bring out different sides of each other. Their friendship is built on mutual respect and understanding. When Root stepped down as captain, he fully supported Stokes's new leadership approach.

Root explained that he wanted Stokes to know he had his back and was ready to do whatever was needed. He recalled how he would often rely on Stokes to perform well in important moments, and now it was his turn to support Stokes in the same way.

Stokes admitted he felt bad seeing the criticism Root faced after taking over as captain of an inexperienced team at a difficult time. Stokes knew his own actions had put his friend in a tough spot, possibly bringing back bad memories from Root's own challenging period as captain.

At a recent match, one shot from Root clearly showed England's attacking style, which was famously encouraged by Stokes. England tried to recreate the early spirit of 'Bazball,' where Stokes encouraged ultra-aggressive play. However, a batter named Harry Brook was out soon after, hitting a shot that led to his dismissal.

The atmosphere changed when Root came in to bat. He is known for his calm presence. However, Root immediately hit a boundary with a shot called a 'reverse ramp,' a move he's famous for. This shot, which he's used in important matches before, surprised and excited the crowd.

Root's 'ramp' shot has been a key part of Bazball. He's used it in high-pressure situations, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. In one instance, a mistimed ramp shot led to his dismissal and England losing a match, causing debate about the riskiness of the shot.

Root's successful ramp shot on Saturday was a special moment. It showed him playing with the same bold spirit as Stokes, supporting his friend in a significant match. He played this shot as if to say, 'I'll do anything for you, old mate.'

Root is now the only player left from the first Bazball Test match in 2022. He has seen other senior players like Cook, Anderson, Broad, and now Stokes retire. But Root continues to play, guiding new players and aiming for new achievements. With his best friend gone, Joe Root stands alone as England's last great player from that era.