FORM FILLER

Bid to Root out some runs

- MIKE WALTERS

JOE ROOT has asked to play against Ireland tomorrow in a shock move to improve his patchy form before the World Cup.

While England selector Luke Wright defended the brutal axing of opener Jason Roy, Root has been granted extra match practice.

In four games against New Zealand in their final warm-up series before defending their 50-over crown in India next month, Root scored six, nought, four and 29.

Root's request to join England's second-string side for the first ODI against Ireland at Headingley has been granted.